The Power of Godly Living
A holy life is the most effective argument for Christianity and is slated to endure, unlike the world's transient things.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the most compelling evidence for Christianity is the exemplary lives of its followers. He argues that a community of pure and joyful Christians serves as a stronger testament to the resurrection of Christ than any scholarly work. In a world filled with distractions, a holy life stands out as the only enduring truth, much like the silent stars that have outlasted civilizations. Tozer highlights that while many may overlook theological writings, they cannot ignore the impact of holy men and women. Ultimately, it is the purity of one's life, as exemplified by figures like Francis of Assisi, that resonates deeply with those seeking God.
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The most effective argument for Christianity is still the good lives of those who profess it. A company of pure-living and cheerful Christians in the community is a stronger proof that Christ is risen than any learned treatise could ever be. And a further advantage is that, while the average person could not be hired to read a theological work, no one can evade the practical argument presented by the presence of holy men and women.
To the sons and daughters of this tense and highly mechanized age a holy life may seem unpardonably dull and altogether lacking in interest, but among all the fancy, interest-catching toys of the world a holy life stands apart as the only thing slated to endure.
The stars make no noise, says the Italian proverb; yet they have outlived all man's civilizations and in their unassuming silence have shone on through the centuries, preaching their simple doctrine of God and enduring things. Francis of Assisi composed some sublime hymns and preached some quaint sermons, but for none of these is he known and by none of these has he captured the moral imagination of mankind. The utter purity of his life it is which has won him a lasting place in the hearts of every seeker after God.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Godly Living
- The Enduring Nature of a Holy Life
- The Example of Francis of Assisi
- A Life of Utter Purity
- A Lasting Impact on Humanity
Key Quotes
“The most effective argument for Christianity is still the good lives of those who profess it.” — A.W. Tozer
“The stars make no noise, yet they have outlived all man's civilizations and in their unassuming silence have shone on through the centuries, preaching their simple doctrine of God and enduring things.” — A.W. Tozer
“The utter purity of his life it is which has won him a lasting place in the hearts of every seeker after God.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- A holy life is a powerful testimony to Christianity and can be a stronger proof of Christ's resurrection than any learned treatise.
- A life of utter purity, like that of Francis of Assisi, can have a lasting impact on humanity.
- A holy life stands apart as the only thing slated to endure, unlike the world's transient things.