A Libel Against God
A.W. Tozer's sermon emphasizes the critical relationship between faith in God and the nature of sin, highlighting the importance of God's character in establishing trust and reconciliation.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that human sin originated from a loss of faith in God, beginning with Eve's doubt in God's integrity after listening to Satan. This doubt opened the door to evil and darkness in the world, highlighting the importance of confidence in God's supreme moral excellence and character. Tozer asserts that any relationship with God must be based on faith, and that idolatry and unbelief are serious offenses against Him. He explains that failing to believe in God equates to calling Him a liar, undermining His character. True repentance involves acknowledging our distrust in God, while faith is the act of fully relying on Christ for reconciliation with God.
Text
Human sin began with loss of faith in God! When our mother Eve listened to Satan's sly innuendoes against the character of God, she began to entertain a doubt of His integrity-and right there the doors were opened to the incoming of every possible evil, and darkness settled upon the world. Relationship between moral beings is by confidence, and confidence rests upon character which is a guarantee of conduct. God is a being of supreme moral excellence, possessing in infinite perfection all the qualities that constitute holy character. He deserves and invites the unreserved confidence of every moral creature, including man. Any proper relation to Him must be by confidence, that is, faith.
Idolatry is the supreme sin and unbelief is the child of idolatry.
Both are libels on the Most High and Most Holy. John wrote: "He that believeth not God hath made Him a liar." A God who would lie is a God without character. Repentance is a man's sincere apology for distrusting God for so long, and faith is throwing oneself upon Christ in complete confidence. Thus by faith reconciliation is achieved between God and man!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the nature of sin - The role of doubt in the fall of man - The impact of Eve's choice
- II points: - The importance of confidence in relationships - God's character as the foundation of trust - The moral excellence of God
- III points: - Idolatry as the supreme sin - Unbelief as a product of idolatry - The consequences of misrepresenting God
- IV points: - The definition of repentance - The role of faith in reconciliation - The relationship between faith and trust in God
Key Quotes
“Human sin began with loss of faith in God!” — A.W. Tozer
“Idolatry is the supreme sin and unbelief is the child of idolatry.” — A.W. Tozer
“Repentance is a man's sincere apology for distrusting God for so long.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Reflect on areas of doubt in your faith and seek to strengthen your trust in God's character.
- Recognize the dangers of idolatry and ensure that your confidence is placed solely in God.
- Practice sincere repentance by acknowledging moments of distrust and reaffirming your faith in Christ.