Truth Tests
The Bible stands alone as a source of truth, and we must cultivate a healthy skepticism toward everything that cannot be supported by its plain teaching.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of a discerning faith that is firmly rooted in the plain teachings of the Bible, warning against the dangers of beliefs that lack scriptural support. He critiques the reliance on anecdotal stories and weak illustrations that undermine the authority of God's Word, suggesting that such practices reveal a lack of true belief. Tozer laments the prevalence of nonsensical teachings in the church, which leave the congregation powerless to challenge them. Ultimately, he asserts that the Bible stands strong on its own, needing no human support to validate its truth.
Text
We need to cultivate a healthy skepticism toward everything that cannot be supported by the plain teaching of the Bible. Belief is faith only when it has God?s revealed truth for its object; beyond that it may be fully as injurious as unbelief itself.
Many of the stories brought forward to justify the ways of God to men actually prove nothing except the unsoundness of the speaker?s intellectual fiber. Yet if all chimney-corner Scripture and old wives? tales were forbidden, many a preacher would have to get out of the ministry. It is a deep pity that the Christian public must be forced to listen to so much nonsense and be helpless to do anything about it.
The point is, the Word of God needs no support from men. It stands alone, strong and majestic as the Matterhorn. When we call in the aid of childish stories and shaky illustrations to prove its truth, we do no more than to reveal our hidden unbelief and air our weak credulity.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Biblical Truth
- The Dangers of Unsound Teaching
- The Sufficiency of the Word of God
- The Bible stands alone as a source of truth
- Human support is not needed to prove its truth
Key Quotes
“The point is, the Word of God needs no support from men.” — A.W. Tozer
“When we call in the aid of childish stories and shaky illustrations to prove its truth, we do no more than to reveal our hidden unbelief and air our weak credulity.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be careful not to rely on unfounded beliefs or stories to justify our actions.
- The Bible's sufficiency should be our guiding principle in all matters of faith.
- We should be cautious of preachers who rely on nonsense or unsound teaching in their sermons.