World and Kingdom Status
A.W. Tozer warns that class-consciousness, a spirit foreign to Christ, exists in both society and the church, influencing Christian conduct and behavior.
A.W. Tozer addresses the issue of class consciousness in American society and the church, highlighting the disconnect between the ideals of democracy and the reality of social stratification. He points out that while leaders advocate for equality, they often remain distant from the common people, creating an aristocracy of fame and wealth. Tozer emphasizes that this class division is also reflected within the church, which contradicts the spirit of Christ and influences Christian behavior negatively. He reminds us that all individuals, regardless of status, were in the heart of Jesus at the cross, underscoring the need for unity and humility among believers.
Text
In spite of our lip-service to democracy, Americans are a decidedly class-conscious people. The very politicians and educators and church leaders among us who sound abroad the praises of the common man and plead for equal rights for all are in private practice as aloof from the plain people as the proudest monarch could ever be. There exists among us an aristocracy composed of famous people, rich men, social lions, actors, public figures and headliners of one kind or another, and these are a class apart. Beneath them, standing off in wild-eyed admiration, are the millions of anonymous men and women who make up the mass of the population.
And they have nothing in their favor--except that they were in the heart of Jesus when He died upon the cross.
Within the church also there exists a class consciousness, a reflection of that found in society. This has been brought over into the church from the world. Its spirit is completely foreign to the spirit of Christ, utterly opposed to it, indeed; and yet it determines to a large degree the conduct of Christians. This is the source of the evil we mention here.
Sermon Outline
- The Class-Consciousness of Society
- The Class-Consciousness in the Church
- The Consequences of Class-Consciousness
- The influence on Christian conduct
- The need for a change of heart
Key Quotes
“There exists among us an aristocracy composed of famous people, rich men, social lions, actors, public figures and headliners of one kind or another, and these are a class apart.” — A.W. Tozer
“Beneath them, standing off in wild-eyed admiration, are the millions of anonymous men and women who make up the mass of the population.” — A.W. Tozer
“And they have nothing in their favor--except that they were in the heart of Jesus when He died upon the cross.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must recognize and reject the class-consciousness that exists in our society and church, embracing the spirit of equality and humility.
- As Christians, we must strive to be a part of the common people, rather than standing apart as an aristocracy.
- The death of Jesus on the cross reminds us of the value and importance of the anonymous and humble, and we must reflect this in our own lives.