Sharpening the Axe
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of intellectual engagement and self-improvement in strengthening one's faith and effectiveness in ministry.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of engaging with the world intellectually, arguing that a faith that requires isolation from criticism is not genuine. He reflects on the assurance that comes from a true encounter with God, which allows believers to face challenges without fear. Tozer shares wisdom from notable figures like Joseph H. Smith and John Wesley, who advocated for broad reading and intellectual growth as essential for effective ministry. He uses the metaphor of sharpening an axe to illustrate that a well-prepared mind makes spiritual work easier and more fruitful. Ultimately, Tozer encourages Christians to embrace knowledge and understanding for the glory of God.
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I have never subscribed to the doctrine that we Christians should live in an intellectual vacuum, refusing to hear what the world has to say. A faith that must be "protected" is no faith at all. If I can retain my faith in Christ only by closing my mind against every criticism, I give proof positive that I am not well convinced of the soundness of my position. The soul that has had a saving encounter with God is sure beyond the possibility of a doubt. His happy testimony will be, "To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side" (Psalm 3:4-6). Such a man will not need to shield himself from the classics nor from comparative religions or philosophy or psychology or science. The Spirit bears witness to Christ deep within his consciousness. His heart knows, though his reason my not yet have caught up with his heart.
When a very young minister, I asked the famous holiness preacher, Joseph H. Smith, whether he would recommend that I read widely in the secular field. He replied, "Young man, a bee can find nectar in the weed as well as in the flower." I took his advice (or, to be frank, I sought confirmation of my own instincts rather than advice) and I am not sorry that I did.
John Wesley told the young ministers of the Wesleyan Societies to read or get out of the ministry, and he himself read science and history with a book propped against his saddle pommel as he rode from one engagement to another. Andy Dolbow, the American Indian preacher of considerable note, was a man of little education, but I once heard him exhort his hearers to improve their minds for the honor of God. "When you are chopping wood," he explained, "and you have a dull axe you must work all the harder to cut the log. A sharp axe makes easy work. So sharpen your axe all you can."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of intellectual engagement in faith - Faith that requires protection is weak - Confidence in faith comes from a personal encounter with God
- II points: - The testimony of a believer - Fearlessness in the face of adversity - The assurance of God's presence
- III points: - Advice from seasoned ministers - The value of reading widely - Learning from various fields enhances faith
- IV points: - The analogy of the dull axe - Effort versus effectiveness in ministry - Continuous self-improvement for God's glory
Key Quotes
“A faith that must be 'protected' is no faith at all.” — A.W. Tozer
“The Spirit bears witness to Christ deep within his consciousness.” — A.W. Tozer
“When you are chopping wood, and you have a dull axe you must work all the harder to cut the log.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Engage with diverse literature to broaden your understanding of faith.
- Regularly assess and improve your skills and knowledge for effective ministry.
- Trust in God's presence to overcome fears and challenges in your life.