Seeking Approval
A.W. Tozer's sermon emphasizes the necessity of seeking God's approval over that of others for true spiritual freedom and growth.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the futility of seeking human approval in the Christian life, asserting that true spirituality requires a heart that is solely devoted to God. He argues that a man after God's own heart must disregard the opinions of both friends and foes, demonstrating moral courage by standing firm in truth regardless of social status. Tozer encourages believers to seek only the approval of Christ, which leads to genuine freedom from the pressures of pleasing others. He concludes with a prayer for strength to overcome the desire for human validation and to find contentment in God's smile.
Text
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. --2 Timothy 4:2
I cannot believe in the spirituality of any Christian man who keeps an eye open for the approval of others, whoever they may be. The man after God's own heart must be dead to the opinion of his friends as well as his enemies. He must be as willing to cross important persons as obscure ones. He must be ready to rebuke his superior as quickly as those who may be beneath him on the ecclesiastical ladder. To reprove one man in order to gain the favor of another is no evidence of moral courage. It is done in the world all the time.
We'll never be where we should be in our spiritual lives until we are so devoted to Christ that we ask no other approbation than His smile. When we are wholly lost in Him the frantic effort to please men will come to an end. The circle of persons we struggle to please will be narrowed to One. Then we will know true freedom, but not a moment before. The Price of Neglect, 141.
"Lord, does anyone ever really get over the desire to seek the approval of others? That is a battle for which we are totally dependent on You for victory. Help me today to be content with only the smile of Your approval. Amen."
Sermon Outline
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I
- The importance of seeking God's approval over man's
- The dangers of seeking approval from others
- The necessity of moral courage in rebuke
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II
- The spiritual implications of pleasing men
- The freedom found in devotion to Christ
- The narrowing of our approval circle to God
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III
- The role of prayer in overcoming the desire for approval
- The impact of divine approval on spiritual growth
- The call to live a life focused on God's smile
Key Quotes
“The man after God's own heart must be dead to the opinion of his friends as well as his enemies.” — A.W. Tozer
“We'll never be where we should be in our spiritual lives until we are so devoted to Christ that we ask no other approbation than His smile.” — A.W. Tozer
“Help me today to be content with only the smile of Your approval.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Seek God's approval in all aspects of life to experience true freedom.
- Engage in prayer to overcome the desire for human approval.
- Cultivate a heart that values God's smile above all else.