Spiritual Discernment
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment and prophetic vision among Christian leaders to guide the church on the appointed way.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual discernment among Christians, particularly leaders, in a time when Bible knowledge is abundant yet moral insight is lacking. He points out that this deficiency may be a significant cause of the decline in true Bible religion. Tozer calls for the emergence of Christian leaders with prophetic vision who can navigate the complexities of faith and discern good from evil. He warns that without such leaders, the spiritual state of the generation may deteriorate further, and acknowledges that those who speak truth may face persecution. Ultimately, he highlights the importance of seeking an understanding heart to fulfill God's purpose.
Text
Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? --1 Samuel 3:9
That so-called Bible religion in our times is suffering rapid decline is so evident as to need no proof, but just what has brought about this decline is not so easy to discover. I can only say that I have observed one significant lack among evangelical Christians which might turn out to be the real cause of most of our spiritual troubles. Of course, if that were true, then the supplying of that lack would be our most critical need.
The great deficiency to which I refer is the lack of spiritual discernment, especially among our leaders. How there can be so much Bible knowledge and so little insight, so little moral penetration, is one of the enigmas of the religious world today....
If not the greatest need, then surely one of the greatest is for the appearance of Christian leaders with prophetic vision. We desperately need seers who can see through the mist. Unless they come soon, it will be too late for this generation. And if they do come, we will no doubt crucify a few of them in the name of our worldly orthodoxy. But the cross is always the harbinger of the resurrection. We Travel an Appointed Way, 111-112.
"Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours? Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Decline of Bible Religion
- The Lack of Spiritual Discernment
- The Need for Prophetic Vision
- The need for Christian leaders with prophetic vision
- The danger of crucifying seers in the name of orthodoxy
Key Quotes
“How there can be so much Bible knowledge and so little insight, so little moral penetration, is one of the enigmas of the religious world today.” — A.W. Tozer
“We desperately need seers who can see through the mist. Unless they come soon, it will be too late for this generation.” — A.W. Tozer
“The cross is always the harbinger of the resurrection.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We need to pray for an understanding heart to discern between good and evil, and to guide us on the appointed way.
- We must be willing to crucify our worldly orthodoxy and seek a deeper, more prophetic understanding of God's will.
- We need to seek out and support Christian leaders with prophetic vision who can guide us through the mist and lead us to the resurrection.