To Sin Is to Rebel
A.W. Tozer's sermon emphasizes that sin is a rebellion against God's authority, and true repentance restores our relationship with Him.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes that sin is fundamentally an act of rebellion against God's authority, rather than merely a psychological condition of the lost sinner. He argues that focusing too much on the sinner's burdens can distract from the reality that sin is a violation of divine law, making us fugitives from God's justice. However, through repentance and the plan of salvation, sinners can restore their relationship with God by confessing their sins and submitting to His will. This act of returning to God transforms us from rebels into obedient children. Tozer calls for a recognition of our true state and the necessity of repentance to align ourselves with God's authority.
Text
Some of you will object to my saying this, but it is my opinion that in Christianity we have over-emphasized the psychology of the lost sinner's condition. We spend time describing the sinner's woes and the great burden he carries until we almost forget the principal fact that the sinner is actually a rebel against properly constituted authority! That is what makes sin SIN! We are rebels, we are sons of disobedience. Sin is the breaking of the Law and we are fugitives from the just laws of God while we are sinners.
We are fugitives from divine judgment.
But thankfully, the plan of salvation reverses that, and restores the original relationship, so that the first thing the returning sinner does is confess: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Thy sight and I am no more worthy to be called Thy son. Make me as one of Thy hired servants!" Thus, in repentance, we reverse that relationship and we fully submit to the Word of God and the will of God, as obedient children!
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the nature of sin - The concept of rebellion against authority - The psychological perspective on sin
- II points: - The implications of being a rebel - The burden of sin and its consequences - Fugitives from divine judgment
- III points: - The role of repentance in salvation - Restoration of the relationship with God - Confession as a step towards obedience
- IV points: - The importance of submitting to God's will - The transformation of the sinner - Living as obedient children
Key Quotes
“Sin is the breaking of the Law and we are fugitives from the just laws of God while we are sinners.” — A.W. Tozer
“The plan of salvation reverses that, and restores the original relationship.” — A.W. Tozer
“In repentance, we reverse that relationship and we fully submit to the Word of God and the will of God.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that sin is a rebellion against God's authority and not just a psychological condition.
- Embrace repentance as a vital step towards restoring your relationship with God.
- Commit to living in obedience to God's will as a transformed child of God.