The Text Plus the Holy Spirit
A true church is one that is led by the Holy Spirit, not just by intellectual knowledge of the text.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit in understanding and applying Scripture, warning against a purely intellectual approach to faith. He critiques churches that rely solely on the text without the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, advocating for a deeper, inward illumination that leads to genuine faith and regeneration. Tozer expresses a preference for small groups that experience this inner knowledge over larger congregations that may lack spiritual depth. He concludes with a prayer for the Holy Spirit's presence to fill believers, highlighting the importance of spiritual awakening in the life of the church.
Text
So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. --Ezekiel 33:31
When you are trying to find out the condition of a church, do not just inquire whether it is evangelical. Ask whether it is an evangelical rationalistic church that says, "The text is enough," or whether it is a church that believes that the text plus the Holy Spirit is enough....
I would rather be part of a small group with inner knowledge than part of a vast group with only intellectual knowledge. In that great day of Christ's coming, all that will matter is whether or not I have been inwardly illuminated, inwardly regenerated, inwardly purified. Faith Beyond Reason, 30,32.
"I too, Lord, 'would rather be part of a small group with inner knowledge than part of a vast group with only intellectual knowledge.' Fill us with Your Spirit and Your presence today. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of a Church
- A church that only has intellectual knowledge
- A church that has not been inwardly illuminated
Key Quotes
“I would rather be part of a small group with inner knowledge than part of a vast group with only intellectual knowledge.” — A.W. Tozer
“Fill us with Your Spirit and Your presence today.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should strive for inner knowledge and a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit, rather than just intellectual knowledge.
- A true church is one that is Spirit-led, not just evangelical in name.