(Clip) Don't Rely on Men Rely on God
Tim Conway emphasizes that believers should rely on God alone rather than placing their trust in men, no matter how spiritually influential they may be.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of not idolizing or overly relying on human figures, even great spiritual leaders, but recognizing that they are merely sinners saved by grace. It highlights the need to focus on God alone for intercession and guidance, as seen in the example of David in the psalm. The distinction between the righteous and the unrighteous is drawn based on whether one seeks God above all else.
Full Transcript
I've noticed this, I guess because I'm a pastor, that sometimes we get people that contact the church, and it's like, I need Brother Tim to pray for me, or I need Brother Tim to do this. Brethren, that kind of thinking is so wrong. It's like, oh, you know, if I could get John MacArthur to pray for me, if I could get Paul Washer to pray for me, oh, if I could have got Spurgeon to pray for me.
What are they? They're but men. Have you ever watched Logic on Fire? That biographical deal that they did on Martin Lloyd-Jones? There's one of the guys, I think his name is Hiram. I really hope I get to meet that guy.
I hope he's still alive. He was pretty old. But he was saying, Ruby and I watched this last night, he said, I think it was the last time he was with Lloyd-Jones, and Lloyd-Jones was dying, he had the cancer, he wasn't going to live long.
And he said to this man, who at that time was quite a bit younger, now the guy's really old, but of course, Lloyd-Jones died in 81. But he says, young man, he says, I just want you to remember this, that I'm nothing but a sinner who's been saved. That's the best that men are.
They can intercede for us. That's true, but they're still just going to the God. It's like David in this psalm, it's like, I don't even need to bring men up.
Men aren't important. Yes, he brings them up right here. But notice this, what characterizes them? They do not set you before them.
You see, this is the difference between the righteous and the unrighteous. Brethren, I'll tell you this, this is a massive test. You want to test yourself? Are you going to the Lord? And you go to Him and praise Him.
Sermon Outline
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I
- People often seek prayer from well-known men
- This mindset is misguided because men are fallible
- Even great preachers are sinners saved by grace
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II
- Example of Martin Lloyd-Jones's humility
- Men can intercede but ultimately bring us to God
- God alone is the true object of our reliance
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III
- David’s psalm highlights the limited role of men
- Righteousness is shown by setting God before men
- Testing faith by where we place our trust
Key Quotes
“What are they? They're but men.” — Tim Conway
“I'm nothing but a sinner who's been saved. That's the best that men are.” — Tim Conway
“Men aren't important. Yes, he brings them up right here. But notice this, what characterizes them? They do not set you before them.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Trust God directly in prayer rather than depending on spiritual leaders or men.
- Recognize the humanity and fallibility of even the most respected Christian figures.
- Evaluate your faith by where you place your ultimate trust and praise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we not rely on men for spiritual help?
Because men are fallible sinners and only God has ultimate power to answer prayers and provide help.
Can men intercede for us in prayer?
Yes, men can intercede, but they ultimately bring us before God, who is the true source of help.
What example does Tim Conway use to illustrate humility?
He references Martin Lloyd-Jones, who humbly described himself as nothing but a saved sinner.
How can we test our faith according to the sermon?
By examining whether we go directly to God in prayer and praise rather than relying on men.