Wake Up the Lion in You!
Christianity requires the enduement from above, empowering believers to conquer challenges beyond their own strength.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between Christianity and other religions, asserting that true sufficiency comes from God rather than from within ourselves. He illustrates this by comparing a French poodle's inadequacy against lions, highlighting that mere self-reliance is insufficient to face life's challenges. Tozer argues that while other belief systems encourage individuals to awaken their inner potential, Christianity teaches that we need divine empowerment from the Holy Spirit to overcome obstacles. He calls for believers to recognize their limitations and rely on God's strength instead of their own. The sermon concludes with a prayer for humility and reliance on God's power.
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Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God. --2 Corinthians 3:5
That is the difference between Christianity and all the Oriental cults and religions. All cult religions try to wake up what you already have, and Christianity says, "What you have is not enough-- you will need the enduement which is sent from above!" That is the difference. The others say, "Stir up the thing that is in you," and they expect this to be enough.
By way of illustration, if there were four or five lions coming at you, you would never think of saying to a little French poodle, "Wake up the lion in you." That would not work--it would not be enough. They would chew the little fellow up and swallow him, haircut and all, because a French poodle just isn't sufficient for a pack of lions. Some power outside of himself would have to make him bigger and stronger than the lion if he were to conquer.
That is exactly what the Holy Spirit says He does for the Christian believer, but the cult religions still say, "Concentrate and free your mind and release the creative powers that lie within you." The Counselor, 142-143.
"Lord, in our self-reliance we're all too often guilty of digging deep for that inner self-sufficiency. Our New Age culture fosters that error. Teach us how futile; show us Your power. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Difference Between Christianity and Oriental Cults
- Christianity requires the enduement from above
- Oriental cults rely on stirring up inner potential
Key Quotes
“What you have is not enough-- you will need the enduement which is sent from above!” — A.W. Tozer
“Wake up the lion in you would not work--it would not be enough.” — A.W. Tozer
“Lord, in our self-reliance we're all too often guilty of digging deep for that inner self-sufficiency.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must recognize our limitations and rely on God's power rather than our own self-sufficiency.
- The Holy Spirit empowers believers to conquer challenges beyond their own strength.
- We must pray and ask God to show us His power and teach us to rely on Him.