Perpetual Spiritual Infancy
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.
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.
Text
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."
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Perpetual Spiritual Infancy
- The Standard of the Sermon on the Mount
- The Consequences of Perpetual Spiritual Infancy
- The failure to produce godly character
- The danger of compromising with the world
Key Quotes
“If this should strike you as being uncharitable, make this little test: kneel down and read reverently the Sermon on the Mount.” — A.W. Tozer
“You will find a wide world of difference both in conduct and in spirit.” — A.W. Tozer
“Who are we to judge? We must leave these professed Christians with the Lord and look to our own doorstep.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should strive to embody the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount in our own lives.
- We should gently point out areas where others may need to improve in their spiritual growth.
- We should focus on our own spiritual development and not compare ourselves to others.