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  PERPETUAL SPIRITUAL INFANCY
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: The sermon highlights the problem of perpetual spiritual
infancy in modern Christianity, where many people claim to be Christians
but do not exhibit godly behavior.

Topics: "Authentic Faith", "Spiritual Maturity"
Scripture References: Matthew 5:1

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer addresses the disconnect between religious activity and true
godliness, emphasizing that many who engage in soul-winning often lack
the spiritual depth and moral character that should accompany genuine
faith. He challenges listeners to reflect on the teachings of the Sermon
on the Mount and to consider the stark contrast between its ideals and
the behavior of many modern Christians. Tozer urges a deeper examination
of what it means to embody Christ's teachings, questioning the
authenticity of those who claim to follow Him yet do not exhibit the
expected spiritual traits. He acknowledges the common rebuttal of not
judging others but insists on the importance of striving for true
holiness and integrity in the Christian life.

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CONTENT
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For some reason, religious activity and godliness do not always go
together. To discover this, it is only necessary to observe the current
religious scene. There is no lack of soul-winning effort surely, but
many of the soul-winners give one the impression that they are little
more than salesmen for a brand of Christianity that simply does not lead
to saintliness.

If this should strike you as being uncharitable, make this little test:
kneel down and read reverently the Sermon on the Mount. Let it get hold
of your heart. Catch the spiritual "feeling" of it. Try to conceive what
kind of person he or she would be who would embody its teachings. Then
compare your conception with the product of the modern religious mill.
You will find a wide world of difference both in conduct and in spirit.
If the Sermon on the Mount is a fair description of the sort of person a
Christian ought to be, then what are we to conclude about the multitudes
who have "accepted" Christ but nevertheless exhibit not one moral or
spiritual trait such as those described by our Lord?

Now, experience has prepared us for the rebuttal we will surely hear
from tender-minded friends: "Who are we to judge? We must leave these
professed Christians with the Lord and look to our own doorstep. And
furthermore, we should be glad for any little bit of good that is being
done and not spoil it by faultfinding."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/perpetual-spiritual-infancy/
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