What a Great Responsibility!
The sermon emphasizes the great responsibility of preachers to preach the true gospel and the consequences of their message on the day of God's wrath.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the immense responsibility placed on preachers and teachers of the gospel, highlighting the accountability they will face on the day of God's wrath. He questions whether the message preached is clear about the lost state of those apart from Christ and whether it encourages repentance and belief in the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Tozer warns that much of what is done in the church may not withstand God's refining fire, urging ministers to reflect on their stewardship and the urgency of their message. The sermon culminates in the poignant question, 'Who can stand?' as a reminder of the seriousness of their calling.
Text
For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand? --Revelation 6:17
What a great responsibility God has laid upon us preachers of His gospel and teachers of His Word. In that future day when God's wrath is poured out, how are we going to answer? How am I going to answer? I fear there is much we are doing in the name of the Christian church that is wood, hay and stubble destined to be burned up in God's refining fire. A day is coming when I and my fellow ministers must give account of our stewardship:
What kind of a gospel did we preach?
Did we make it plain that men and women who are apart from Christ Jesus are lost?
Did we counsel them to repent and believe?
Did we tell them of the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit?
Did we warn them of the wrath of the Lamb--the crucified, resurrected, outraged Lamb of God?
With that kind of accounting yet to come, the question John hears from the human objects of God's wrath is especially significant: "Who can stand?" (6:17). Who indeed? Jesus Is Victor!, 108.
"Lord, how am I going to answer?"
Sermon Outline
- The Great Responsibility of Preachers
- The Day of God's Wrath
- Who Can Stand?
- The question of accountability
- The answer in Jesus Christ
- The power of the Holy Spirit
Key Quotes
“For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand? --Revelation 6:17” — A.W. Tozer
“I fear there is much we are doing in the name of the Christian church that is wood, hay and stubble destined to be burned up in God's refining fire.” — A.W. Tozer
“Lord, how am I going to answer?” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Preachers must be accountable for the gospel they preach and its impact on people's lives.
- Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ are essential for salvation and standing before God's judgment.
- The regenerating power of the Holy Spirit is necessary for spiritual transformation and standing before God.