The Great Physician
Jesus invites all believers to experience the victorious life, but it requires faith and a genuine desire for wholeness.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that many Christians live in a state of chronic discouragement, mistakenly believing that a victorious Christian life is unattainable for them. He challenges the notion that such feelings are normal, urging believers to recognize their unbelief as the root cause of their defeat. Tozer draws a parallel to the man at the Jerusalem pool, highlighting that the desire for healing and wholeness is essential for transformation. He encourages Christians to reject complacency and to actively seek the healing power of Jesus, who is always ready to make them whole.
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If you are a discouraged and defeated Christian believer, you may have accepted the rationalization that your condition is "normal for all Christians." You may now be content with the position that the progressive, victorious Christian life may be suitable for a few Christian - but not for you! You have been to Bible conferences; you have been to the altar-but the blessings are for someone else. Now, that attitude on the part of Christian believers is neither modesty nor meekness. It is a chronic discouragement resulting from unbelief.
It is rather like those who have been sick for so long that they no longer believe they can get well.
Jesus is still saying, as He said to the man lying by the gate at the Jerusalem pool, "Do you want to be made whole?" Jesus made him whole-because of his desire! His need was great, but he had never lapsed into that state of chronic discouragement.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Chronic Discouragement
- The Source of Chronic Discouragement
- 'The Alternative: Desire for Wholeness'
- Jesus' invitation to be made whole
- The importance of desire in receiving healing
Key Quotes
“Jesus is still saying, as He said to the man lying by the gate at the Jerusalem pool, 'Do you want to be made whole?'” — A.W. Tozer
“Jesus made him whole-because of his desire!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the difference between modesty and chronic discouragement, and take steps to overcome discouragement.
- Cultivate faith and desire for wholeness in your life, just as the man by the Jerusalem pool did.
- Remember that Jesus' invitation to be made whole is still available to all believers today.