Unwilling to Yield
The sermon highlights the tragedy of mankind's refusal to yield to Jesus Christ and prioritize their own selfish interests.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the tragedy of humanity's unwillingness to yield to God, highlighting that many people, despite understanding the revelation of Jesus Christ, refuse to change their ways and commit to Him. He points out that this resistance stems from a desire to maintain their own selfish interests and kingdoms, leading to a rejection of the salvation and knowledge that comes from sincerely receiving Christ. Tozer laments that while individuals cling to their own desires, they miss the profound relationship and understanding of God that is available through Jesus.
Text
I know there are people who hear me preach regularly who will never consider changing their way of living They will go 'underground' before they will do that! Our situation is not an isolated case. There are millions of men and women with an understanding of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ, who are still not willing to receive and commit themselves to Him whom the very angels and stars and rivers receive. They hesitate and they delay because they know God is asking the abdication of their own selfish little kingdom and interests. This is the tragedy of mankind, my brethren! We have rejected Him from our lives because we must have our own way.
But until Jesus Christ is sincerely received, there can be no knowledge of salvation, nor any understanding of the things of God.
The little, selfish, sinful man rejects the Son of God. While he is still enumerating the things he deserves, the Son of God stands outside. My brethren, I repeat: this is the great tragedy of mankind!
Sermon Outline
- The Unwillingness to Yield
- The Nature of the Problem
- The Consequences of Refusal
- The Solution to Salvation
Key Quotes
“They will go 'underground' before they will do that!” — A.W. Tozer
“This is the tragedy of mankind, my brethren!” — A.W. Tozer
“The little, selfish, sinful man rejects the Son of God.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize the need to abdicate one's own selfish interests and kingdom to receive Jesus Christ.
- Understand that rejecting Jesus Christ leads to a lack of knowledge of salvation and God's things.
- Prioritize a sincere reception of Jesus Christ for true understanding and salvation.