The Presence of God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of developing a consciousness of God's presence and coming boldly to Him in prayer.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of being acutely aware of God's presence, which has been a hallmark of spiritual giants throughout history. He argues that this consciousness of God's presence empowers saints and prophets, enabling them to effect profound good across generations. Tozer encourages believers to approach God with boldness, affirming that true humility lies in recognizing and honoring God's self-revelation. He highlights the intimate relationship Jesus offers, calling His disciples 'friends' and inviting them into a deeper communion with Him. This awareness of God's presence transforms prayer into a genuine dialogue with Someone who is truly there.
Text
The spiritual giants of old were those who at some time became acutely conscious of the presence of God. They maintained that consciousness for the rest of their lives. How otherwise can the saints and prophets be explained? How otherwise can we account for the amazing power for good they have exercised over countless generations? Is it not that indeed they had become friends of God? Is it not that they walked in conscious communion with the real Presence and addressed their prayers to God with the artless conviction that they were truly addressing Someone actually there?
Let me say it again, for certainly it is no secret: we do God honor in believing what He has said about Himself and coming boldly to His throne of grace than by hiding in a self-conscious humility!
Those unlikely men chosen by our Lord as His closest disciples might well have hesitated to claim friendship with Christ. But Jesus said to them, "You are my friends!"
Sermon Outline
- I. The Consciousness of God's Presence
- A. Characterized by a deep sense of awareness and communion
- B. Demonstrated in the lives of spiritual giants
- II. The Power of God's Presence
- A. Enables saints and prophets to exercise amazing power for good
- B. Results in a lifelong impact on generations
- III. The Importance of Honoring God's Presence
- A. We honor God by believing in His character and coming to Him
- B. Humility is not a substitute for boldness in prayer
Key Quotes
“We do God honor in believing what He has said about Himself and coming boldly to His throne of grace than by hiding in a self-conscious humility!” — A.W. Tozer
“You are my friends!” — A.W. Tozer
“Is it not that indeed they had become friends of God?” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must develop a deep sense of awareness and communion with God's presence in our lives.
- We honor God by believing in His character and coming to Him boldly in prayer.
- Humility is not a substitute for boldness in prayer; we must come to God with confidence and trust.