The One Before Whom All Shall Bow
The cure for superstition is an increased appreciation of God's character and being, not just names or gestures.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true freedom from superstition comes from a deep understanding of God's character and being, rather than relying on mere words or gestures. He argues that the devil is not intimidated by the name of Jesus as a word, but rather by the powerful Person behind that name. Tozer asserts that it is the sovereign authority of Jesus, as Lord and Christ, that causes Satan to flee, not the superstitious practices that many engage in. He encourages believers to cultivate a personal relationship with God to overcome fears rooted in superstition. Ultimately, knowing God intimately liberates us from the snares of superstition and empowers our faith.
Text
The cure for superstition is an increased appreciation of the being of God: not names only, but character and being. The idea that the devil is afraid of a word or a gesture is pure superstition. He is not afraid of any name, not even the name Jesus. There are thousands of little boys in Latin America who bear that name, and surely Satan does not stand in fear of them. No, it is not a combination of letters that strikes terror to the heart of Satan. It is the glorious Person who bears the name Jesus whom he fears. To the name Jesus God has added the titles ?Lord and Christ,? and this means that all power has been given unto Him in heaven and in earth. Back of the name is the sovereign Person of God?s Son, our Savior.
From this Person Satan flees, but it is a waste of time and effort to try to impress him with mere words and phrases.
In the degree that we know God Himself, we shall be free from superstitious fears; and in the degree that we are affected by signs, gestures, phrases and ?religious objects? (as they are naively called), we are in the bonds and snares of superstition.
Sermon Outline
- The Cure for Superstition
- The Sovereignty of Jesus
- Freedom from Superstition
- Knowing God Himself
- Avoiding Superstitious Fears
- The Power of the Person of Jesus
Key Quotes
“The cure for superstition is an increased appreciation of the being of God: not names only, but character and being.” — A.W. Tozer
“It is the glorious Person who bears the name Jesus whom he fears.” — A.W. Tozer
“In the degree that we know God Himself, we shall be free from superstitious fears;” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must focus on knowing God Himself, rather than relying on signs and gestures.
- Superstitious fears can be overcome by increasing our appreciation of God's character and being.
- The sovereignty of Jesus is what truly matters, not just the name Jesus.