The Open Secret
A.W. Tozer's sermon emphasizes the necessity of knowing God intimately through commitment, purity, and service to others.
Athanasius preaches about the significance of Easter, urging believers to not only hear but also act upon the commandments of the Saviour, following the examples of the saints in heavenly conversation. He emphasizes the importance of imitating Christ's behavior, showing love, humility, and servanthood, and warns against falling into folly and worldly pleasures. Athanasius highlights the distinction between the teachings of the saints and human inventions, urging adherence to the faithful word passed down by the apostles and eye-witnesses of Christ's ministry.
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But the God we must see is not the utilitarian God who is having such a run of popularity today, whose chief claim to men's attention is His ability to bring them success in their various undertakings and who for that reason is being cajoled and flattered by everyone who wants a favor. The God we must learn to know is the Majesty in the heavens, God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, the only wise God our Savior. . . . The knowledge of the holy God is a free gift to men who are open to receive it.
First, we must forsake our sin. . . . "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
Second, there must be an utter committal of the whole life to Christ in faith. This is what it means to "believe in Christ." It involves a volitional and emotional attachment to Him accompanied by a firm purpose to obey Him in all things. . .
Third, there must be a reckoning of ourselves to have died unto sin and to be alive unto God in Christ Jesus, followed by a throwing open of the entire personality to the inflow of the Holy Spirit. Then we must practice whatever self-discipline is required to walk in the Spirit, and trample under our feet the lust of the flesh.
Fourth, we must boldly repudiate the cheap values of the fallen world. . . .
Fifth, we must practice the art of long and loving meditation upon the majesty of God. . . The focal point of man's interest is now himself. Humanism in its various forms has displaced theology as the key to the understanding of life. . . .
God is a Person and can be known in increasing degrees of intimate acquaintance as we prepare our hearts for the wonder. . . .
Sixth, as the knowledge of God becomes more wonderful, greater service to our fellow men will become for us imperative. This blessed knowledge is not given to be enjoyed selfishly. The more perfectly we know God the more we will feel the desire to translate the new-found knowledge into deeds of mercy toward suffering humanity. The God who gave all to us will continue to give all through us to know Him better (The Knowledge of the Holy, pp. 121-23).
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied (Matthew 5:6).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the true nature of God
- Forsaking sin to see God
- Committing life to Christ
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II
- Reckoning ourselves dead to sin
- Opening to the Holy Spirit
- Practicing self-discipline
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III
- Rejecting worldly values
- Meditating on God's majesty
- Embracing intimate acquaintance with God
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IV
- Translating knowledge into service
- Desire for deeds of mercy
- Living out the knowledge of God
Key Quotes
“The knowledge of the holy God is a free gift to men who are open to receive it.” — A.W. Tozer
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” — A.W. Tozer
“The more perfectly we know God the more we will feel the desire to translate the new-found knowledge into deeds of mercy toward suffering humanity.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Commit your life fully to Christ to experience true fulfillment.
- Engage in regular meditation on God's majesty to deepen your relationship with Him.
- Actively seek opportunities to serve others as a reflection of your knowledge of God.