Unholy, Unrighteous, Unhappy
The sermon emphasizes the unholy, unrighteous, and unhappy state of humanity, and the importance of seeking God's favor and obeying Christ's authority.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dire state of humanity, highlighting our spiritual, moral, and physical ruin. He points out that while we are inherently unholy and unrighteous, our unhappiness is a lesser concern compared to the urgent need to seek God's favor and submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. Tozer warns that this pursuit may lead to conflict with the world and personal struggles, yet it is essential for true fulfillment. He encourages believers to prioritize their spiritual journey over temporary pleasures, recognizing the challenges that come with it.
Text
All of history and the daily newspaper testify that the human race lies in ruin-spiritually, morally and physically. The long parade of gods, both virtuous and obscene, and a thousand varieties of vain and meaningless religious practices declare our spiritual degeneration, while disease, old age and death testify sadly to the completeness of our physical decay. By nature, men and women are unholy; and by practice we are unrighteous. That we are also unhappy is of small consequence.
But it is of overwhelming importance to us that we should seek the favor of God while it is possible to find it, and that we should bring ourselves under the plenary authority of Jesus Christ in complete and voluntary obedience.
To do this is to invite trouble from a hostile world and to incur such unhappiness as may naturally follow. Add the temptation of the devil and a life-long struggle with the flesh and it will be obvious that we will need to defer most of our enjoyments to more appropriate time!
Sermon Outline
- The Human Condition
- The Need for Change
- The Consequences of Obedience
- Hostile world
- Temptation and fleshly struggle
- Physical decay
Key Quotes
“By nature, men and women are unholy; and by practice we are unrighteous.” — A.W. Tozer
“That we are also unhappy is of small consequence.” — A.W. Tozer
“To do this is to invite trouble from a hostile world and to incur such unhappiness as may naturally follow.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must acknowledge our unholy and unrighteous nature and seek God's favor and guidance.
- Obeying God may bring temporary unhappiness, but it ultimately leads to a deeper relationship with Him.
- We must defer our earthly enjoyments to prioritize our spiritual well-being.