God Always Acts Like Himself
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character as the foundation for faith and trust in Him.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of understanding God's character as the foundation of true faith. He asserts that knowing God's name, which reflects His character, leads to trust and confidence in Him. Tozer warns that unbelief is a serious offense against God's truth, as it implies calling Him a liar. He encourages believers to recognize that God consistently acts in accordance with His nature, providing assurance and comfort in their faith. This understanding serves as a reminder of God's unchanging character and His ability to answer prayers and perform miracles today.
Text
Since true faith rests upon what God is, it is of utmost importance that, to the limit of our comprehension, we know what He is. "They that know thy name will put their trust in thee" (Psalm 9:10). The name of God is the verbal expression of His character, and confidence always rises or falls with known character. What the psalmist said was simply that they who know God to be the kind of God He is will put their confidence in Him. This is not a special virtue, I repeat, but the normal direction any mind takes when confronted with the fact. We are so made that we trust good character and distrust its opposite.
That is why unbelief is so intensely wicked. "He that believeth not God hath made him a liar" (1 John 5:10).
The character of God is the Christian's final ground of assurance and the solution of many, if not most, of his practical religious problems. Some persons, for instance, believe that God answered prayer in Bible times but will not do so today, and others hold that the miracles of olden days can never be repeated. To believe so is to deny or at least to ignore almost everything God has revealed about Himself. We must remember that God always acts like Himself. He has never at any time anywhere in the vast universe acted otherwise than in character with His infinite perfections.
This knowledge should be a warning to the enemies of God, and it cannot but be an immense consolation to His friends.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding God's Character - The Importance of Knowing God - Trusting in God's Nature
- II points: - The Relationship Between Faith and Character - The Consequences of Unbelief - God's Consistency in Action
- III points: - Prayer and God's Response - Miracles and God's Power - The Assurance of God's Nature
Key Quotes
“They that know thy name will put their trust in thee.” — A.W. Tozer
“He that believeth not God hath made him a liar.” — A.W. Tozer
“God always acts like Himself.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Deepen your understanding of God's character to strengthen your faith.
- Recognize that God's nature is consistent and reliable in all circumstances.
- Approach prayer with the confidence that God responds according to His character.