The Unchanging Need of the Human Heart
The human condition remains unchanged, and humans still need deliverance from sin and fear, which is why Jesus is still relevant today.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the fundamental needs of humanity have not changed from the first century to the twentieth century. Despite advancements in technology and lifestyle, people still grapple with sin, mortality, fear, and the longing for peace and eternal life. The struggles of betrayal, loss, and the fear of judgment remain constant, highlighting the universal need for Jesus as the source of deliverance and peace. Tozer reminds us that, regardless of the era, the human heart's cry for salvation and comfort is unchanged, underscoring the timeless relevance of Christ's message.
Text
We of the twentieth century have exactly the same basic needs as the people of the first century. We feel the weight of sin and mortality just as they did. We long for peace and life eternal exactly as they did. We are tortured by fears, stunned by losses, grieved by betrayals, hurt by enmities, made heartsick by failures, scared by threatening death, chased by the devil and frightened cold by the thought of coming judgment. They sat in their simple houses and worried by candlelight. We speed along in sleek, shiny cars and do our worrying between stoplights.
But the end result is the same for everybody: slow progress backward toward old age and the grave with no place to hide and no friend to help.
God called His Son's name Jesus because He knew the human race needed deliverance from sin; and He sent the angels to announce "Peace on earth" because He knew the world needed deliverance from the gnawing tooth of inward fear. And nothing basic has changed. We today need Jesus, and we need Him for the same reasons they needed Him 2,000 years ago. The more things change, the more they remain the same.
Sermon Outline
- The Unchanging Need of the Human Heart
- The Human Condition Remains Unchanged
- The Unchanging Need for Deliverance
- The Need for Jesus
- The Need for Deliverance from Sin and Fear
Key Quotes
“The more things change, the more they remain the same.” — A.W. Tozer
“We need Jesus, and we need Him for the same reasons they needed Him 2,000 years ago.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that the human condition remains unchanged, and that you still struggle with the same basic needs as people in the first century.
- Acknowledge the root cause of human suffering, which is sin and the fear of death and judgment.
- Seek deliverance from sin and fear through Jesus Christ.