We Get Around It
Christians often avoid obeying Jesus' teachings by taking refuge in liberal interpretations and weakening His authority.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the often-overlooked Lordship of Jesus among Christians, noting that while His authority is acknowledged in hymns, it is frequently ignored in daily life. He critiques the tendency to reinterpret Christ's teachings to avoid the demands of obedience, suggesting that many evangelical Christians do not accept His authority in every aspect of their lives. Tozer challenges the congregation to confront the reality that their worship may lack genuine influence from Christ, as they prefer a comfortable faith that does not require interference from His teachings. He calls for a deeper acceptance of Christ's words without dilution or avoidance.
Text
The Lordship of Jesus is not quite forgotten among Christians, but it has been relegated to our hymn book, where all responsibility toward it may be comfortably discharged in a glow of pleasant religious emotion. The idea that the Man Christ Jesus has absolute and final authority over all its members in every detail of their lives is simply not accepted as true by the rank and file of evangelical Christians. To avoid the necessity of either obeying or rejecting the plain instruction of our Lord in the New Testament, we take refuge in a liberal interpretation of them.
We find ways to avoid the sharp point of obedience, comfort carnality and make the words of Christ of none effect.
And the essence of it all is that "Christ simply could not have meant what He said." Dare we admit that His teachings are accepted even theoretically only after they have been weakened by "interpretation"? Dare we confess that even in our public worship, the influence of the Lord is very small? We sing of Him and preach about Him, but He must not interfere!
Sermon Outline
- The Lordship of Jesus is Forgotten
- Avoiding Obedience
- The Essence of It All
- Christ's teachings are accepted only after weakening
- Even in worship, the Lord's influence is small
Key Quotes
“Christ simply could not have meant what He said.” — A.W. Tozer
“We find ways to avoid the sharp point of obedience, comfort carnality and make the words of Christ of none effect.” — A.W. Tozer
“We sing of Him and preach about Him, but He must not interfere!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Christians must acknowledge and accept Jesus' absolute authority over their lives.
- We must be willing to obey Jesus' teachings without weakening or interpreting them.
- True worship involves allowing the Lord's influence to manifest in our lives.