Response to the Word
The Bible demands immediate action, faith, and surrender, and its purpose is to call men home from sin and provide a road map for returning prodigals.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the Scriptures are not merely for literary enjoyment but demand an immediate response of action, faith, and surrender. He warns that reading the Bible without this commitment increases one's responsibility and judgment. The Word of God serves as a guide for those lost in sin, providing essential instruction about righteousness, life, and the afterlife. Tozer highlights that the destiny of each person hinges on their response to God's voice in the Scriptures. Ultimately, the Bible calls individuals back to God, urging them to act upon its teachings.
Text
Men and women who read and study the Scriptures for their literary beauty alone have missed the whole purpose for which they were given. God's Word is not to be enjoyed as one might "enjoy" a Beethoven symphony or a poem by Wordsworth. The reason: the Bible demands immediate action, faith, surrender, committal. Until it has secured these, it has done nothing positive for the reader, but it has increased his responsibility and deepened the judgment that must follow. The Bible was called forth by the fall of man. It is the voice of God calling men home from the wilds of sin; it is a road map for returning prodigals.
It is instruction in righteousness, light in darkness, information about God and man and life and death and heaven and hell.
Further, the destiny of each individual depends upon the response to that Voice in the Word!
Sermon Outline
- The Purpose of Scripture
- Not for literary beauty alone
- Demands immediate action and faith
Key Quotes
“Men and women who read and study the Scriptures for their literary beauty alone have missed the whole purpose for which they were given.” — A.W. Tozer
“The Bible demands immediate action, faith, surrender, committal.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- I must respond to God's Voice in the Bible with immediate action and faith.
- Reading the Bible for its literary beauty alone is not enough; I must seek its purpose and instruction.
- My destiny depends on my response to God's Word.