Child of Two Worlds
The true Christian is a child of two worlds, living among fallen men while following the laws and principles of the kingdom of God.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that in the kingdom of God, the paradox of losing to gain is central; to truly keep what is valuable, one must be willing to let it go. He highlights Jesus' call to self-denial and the necessity of taking up one's cross, illustrating the contrast between the fallen world and the divine kingdom. The true Christian, as a child of two worlds, must navigate the tension of living in a fallen society while adhering to the principles of the new kingdom. Tozer warns against 'carnal' living, urging believers to embrace a life led by the Spirit of God and to relinquish earthly treasures for eternal rewards.
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In the kingdom of God, the surest way to lose something is to try to protect it, and the best way to keep it is to let it go. This was the word of our Lord Jesus Christ: "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross!" Christ turned from the fallen world of Adam and spoke about another world altogether, a world where Adam's philosophy is invalid and his technique inoperative. He spoke of the kingdom of God whose laws are exactly opposite to those of the kingdom of men. So, the true Christian is a child of two worlds.
He lives among fallen men, but when he is regenerated, he is called to live according to the laws and principles that underlie the new kingdom.
He may, then, find himself trying to live a heavenly life after an earthly pattern-and this is what Paul called "carnal" living. That is why it is vitally important to move up into the life of the Spirit of God. Give up your earthly "treasures" and the Lord will keep them for you unto life eternal!
Sermon Outline
- The Kingdom of God
- Laws opposite to those of men
- The true Christian is a child of two worlds
Key Quotes
“The surest way to lose something is to try to protect it, and the best way to keep it is to let it go.” — A.W. Tozer
“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Give up your earthly 'treasures' and trust the Lord to keep them for you unto life eternal.
- Move up into the life of the Spirit of God by denying yourself and taking up your cross.
- Recognize that your earthly philosophy and techniques are invalid and inoperative in the kingdom of God.