Supernatural Energies
The sermon emphasizes the importance of relying on supernatural energies provided by God for spiritual tasks, rather than relying on natural talents.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of relying on the supernatural strength provided by the Holy Spirit rather than solely on human effort. He reflects on the alarming rate of nervous breakdowns among ministers, suggesting that many are attempting to fulfill spiritual duties without the Spirit's empowerment. Tozer encourages believers to embrace their heritage as children of God, which includes access to divine energies for their tasks. He prays for those feeling overwhelmed, asking for God's supernatural enabling to sustain them in their ministry.
Text
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. --Isaiah 40:31
It is possible to work far beyond the normal strength of the human constitution and yet experience little or no fatigue because the energy for the work has been provided, not by the burning up of human tissue, but by the indwelling Spirit of power. This has been realized by a few unusual souls, and the pity is that they are unusual.
Attention has recently been focused upon the fact that ministers suffer a disproportionately high number of nervous breakdowns compared with other men. The reasons are many, and for the most part they reflect credit on the men of God. Still I wonder if it is all necessary. I wonder whether we who claim to be sons of the new creation are not allowing ourselves to be cheated out of our heritage. Surely it should not be necessary to do spiritual work in the strength of our natural talents. God has provided supernatural energies for supernatural tasks. The attempt to do the work of the Spirit without the Spirit's enabling may explain the propensity to nervous collapse on the part of Christian ministers. The Size of the Soul, 184-185.
"Lord, today I pray for that pastor who is about to give up and quit from sheer exhaustion (as I write I think of the close friend suffering with cluster headaches, exacerbated by the stress of heavy responsibility). For my friend, and any others, give that supernatural enabling. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Promise of Supernatural Energies
- The Source of Strength
- The Indwelling Spirit of Power
- The Supernatural Task
Key Quotes
“God has provided supernatural energies for supernatural tasks.” — A.W. Tozer
“It is possible to work far beyond the normal strength of the human constitution and yet experience little or no fatigue because the energy for the work has been provided, not by the burning up of human tissue, but by the indwelling Spirit of power.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As Christians, we should seek to rely on the supernatural energies provided by God for our spiritual work and responsibilities.
- We should not attempt to do spiritual work in our own strength, but rather in the enabling power of the Holy Spirit.
- By relying on God's provision, we can avoid burnout and exhaustion, and experience the strength and vitality that comes from Him.