The Divine Teacher
True freedom in Christ is found by following Him as Master, rather than blindly following human leaders.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of discerning the teachings of Christian leaders, warning against blind acceptance of their words without personal examination. He asserts that no leader is infallible and that each has their own biases that can affect their teachings. Tozer encourages believers to learn from various holy men while ultimately following Christ, who is the only true Master. He reminds us that our freedom in Christ should not be surrendered to any human authority, as the Holy Spirit is our ultimate teacher.
Text
We make a serious mistake when we become so attached to the preaching or writing of a great Christian leader that we accept his teaching without daring to examine it. No man is that important in the kingdom of God. We should follow men only as they follow the Lord and we should keep an open mind lest we become blind followers of a man whose breath is in his nostrils.
No Christian leader but has his blind spot, his unconscious prejudices, and these will influence his teachings. We will have plenty of our own without weakly accepting those of our teachers.
What then shall we do? Learn from every holy man who exercises a ministry toward us, be grateful to every one of them and thankful for all, and then follow Christ. No free believer should ever sell his freedom to another. No Christian is worthy to be the master of other Christians. Christ alone is worthy to be called Master; there is no other.
''But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him'' (1 John 2:27).
Sermon Outline
- Following Men vs. Following Christ
- The Limitations of Christian Leaders
- The Path to True Freedom
- Learning from holy men
- Following Christ as Master
Key Quotes
“No free believer should ever sell his freedom to another.” — A.W. Tozer
“Christ alone is worthy to be called Master; there is no other.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Be willing to examine and question the teachings of Christian leaders.
- Recognize that no human leader is infallible and has their own biases and prejudices.
- Prioritize following Christ as Master above all else.