The Warfare of the Spirit

Wow---What a great reminder and example of the joy of the Lord in a person's life. Let's just say that David lived a life WIDE-OPEN, full of purpose and passion for the Lord! This chapter was refreshing. Let us all live our lives as David did... "thirsting" for the Lord, setting the Lord before us, and seeking out His will for our lives--let our lives produce the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23) as David's did.

Have a blessed week!!!!
Sandra

I like how Tozer described the David that he that he saw God FIRST and loved nature FOR GOD'S SAKE....or for God's glory (which is precisely what God wanted). It grieves me to hear people adore nature and miss something far above and beyond the beauty in the nature...the Creator Himself.

Also liked that he described David as God-possessed...where as today we are all too often Self-Possessed. Is it no wonder we resist being taught by God? Interesting that Tozer points out that David lacked formal education and yet taught millions about the Greatest subject of all The Great Instructor Himself - God. What a contrast to today, that we make education a god.

...another neat description...David was God-intoxicated...what am I intoxicated by?

I too love the Psalms, they are such a treasure of expression. I am reading a devotional book, along with reading through the bible, of the N.T. and Proverbs...and I confess I desperately miss the Psalms, sometimes that is all the farther I ever got, before I started this program.
Renee'

Yes, it is so true about David-he is still around to teach us today.

As Tozer mentions on p. 35 David was acutely God-conscious David truly was a man after God's own heart. We can do learn so much from David and his life~

As Tozer mentions on p. 35 David was acutely God-conscious except for ONE circumstance~

one event in his life that always troubles me is when David took his eyes off God and fell into the sin of adultery and arranged for a man to be murdered.

The sad thing about this is how this sin affected his entire family.

II Samuel 12:11-14
"Thus saith the LORD, Behold I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house....
For thou didst it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.
And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD...."
"Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme..."

What a sad commentary for a man after God's own heart... yet how wonderfully David responded when confronted by Nathan the prophet. He confessed at once and never blamed another, but admitted responsibility.

What a colossal warning for me. How have I given an occasion to the enemies of the LORD.

It is wonderful that God allowed this event to be recorded to help us realize not one of us is beyond falling into traps of the enemy when we do not keep our eyes on the LORD.

Yes, it is imperative to be watchful!!! Keep our eyes focused on God and His Word always ~because we still have an enemy who prowls around seeking whom he can devour.(1 Peter 5:8) and wants to use our sin as an occasion to the enemies of the LORD.( II Samuel 12:14)
Linda S.

This editorial was published October 9, 1957

I never thought about the fact that David is still around today. I like Tozier's description of David:

completely preoccupied with God
acutely God-conscious
God-possessed
God-taught
a student of God
God-intoxicated

This is such a good description of a "man after God's own heart" !

I like the idea of seeing God first and loving nature for God's sake (pg. 35). There are so many people in the world, who, like Wordsworth, reverse that order. I think as Christians, the love of nature for God's sake doesn't shine through.

How can we be more open to God, and be more like David?

Have a great week, and keep your eyes focused on God!

In Christ,
Lisa

I found it very difficult to think of anything to say about this chapter.
I have been thinking all week.
David loved God thru good and bad.
David loved God when he was good or bad.
I want to know how to do that myself.
I love god, but I am not on equal footing with David, that I am sure of.
Gives me a goal to work toward.
Linda K.

Chapter Ten

Background

Chapter 10 - Eternal Retribution -- A Bible Doctrine

First published October 30, 1957

I agree with Tozier that we need to believe what the Bible teaches, and if the Bible disagrees with what we believe, it’s our beliefs that need to change. We have to be careful not to base our beliefs on what we hope to be true, but on what God says is true.

I like this quote: “The man who will not believe in hell must surrender his right to believe in heaven.” P. 39. We have to be careful to accept all of the teachings in the Bible, not just the ones that make us feel comfortable.

I’ve never had a problem believing in eternal damnation, or believing in a literal hell. I will admit that the possibility of someone going to hell has not made me more bold in witnessing to them. I need to work on that.

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

Have a great week! Take some time to examine your beliefs in the light of scripture.

In Christ,
Lisa

The contents of this chapter stirred my heart. If I really believe this doctrine of eternal retribution, why am I not more vocal to others about the gravity of it?

There are "deep-lying misconceptions (p.40 bottom) in our culture regarding the holiness of God, the nature of man, the gravity of sin and the awesome wonder of the love of God as expressed in redemption". Yes, yes the judgments of our LORD God Almighty are true and righteous.(Rev.16:7)

I think of Jonathan Edwards and his message "Sinners in the hands of an Angry God" and my heart is stirred as so many were convicted of sin and cried out to God for mercy after hearing that message. Yet even in churches I see an acceptance of immorality and following the cultural mandate of anything is o.k.. There seems to be NO FEAR of Eternal Retribution.

I pray God will help me to speak truth in love. I agree with Tozer's assessment that "Perhaps Moody's word about this is as wise as any that has ever been uttered. He said, 'No man should preach on hell until he can do it with tears in his eyes.'"(p.41)
Linda S.

What powerful words Moody said..."NO man should preach on hell until he can do it with tears in his eyes." all I can add to that is a big YES!! And God help us...may the tears move us to take action for the sake of Christs glory and sinners in need of a Savior!
Renee'

First of all, I need to say that Tozer is truly a man of the Word!! He must have been one powerful preacher.
He doesn't leave much room for comment ;)

Eternal retribution is a scary thought! It is true that many people don't realize how REAL hell is!!
How sad, but true, is the statement on page 40...

"That He gave men life and intelligence,
that He has been patient with them while they
defiled His laws, killed His only begotten Son
and scorned His dying love, is overlooked
completely. That men use their gift of free will
to reject God, choose iniquity and with wide
open eyes persistently work to prepare themselves
for hell, seems to not matter to some people."

Reading this chapter has placed many souls into my mind. Lord, help me to gain boldness to share this reality with others and let them accept you as their Saviour and become your child... "to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' " (Acts 26:18)
Sandra Thompson

Reading this chapter has placed many souls into my mind. And may that be the case for all of us!

Lord, help me to gain boldness to share this reality with others YES!
and let them accept you as their Saviour and become your child yes again!!...
"to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.' "
This scripture is what is prayed for the teachers that teach where my sons go to school in a prayer group for their school every week. Trusting God that He will do this in the lives of those who do not know His Son. (Acts 26:18)
Renee'

My heart's cry and prayer is that others would have a mighty revealing of just what hell is and how terrible it would be to be there for all eternity. I have heard it said that Jesus has spoken more about hell than heaven. I have never researched whether this is true.
That is a good way to be praying for unsaved people. How good it was of God to reveal that to you.

Yesterday I returned a book to an unsaved friend of mine. I had asked her if she'd be willing to talk about the book with me. She said no at first. When I gave her the book back, I told her I had some notes I had written, about the book that I was giving her as I returned the book to her. She said "Well, I will read your notes, and see if I want to discuss them." The fictional book has many, many references to 'spiritual' things, though some run parallel with scripture, many of the authors comments run contrary to God's word. It would be nothing less than a mighty act of God if she would read the notes, be moved by them, and be willing to talk with me about them. I do understand she does not need to talk to me in order for God to reveal the truths of salvation, though I would be happy to talk with her. Please join me in prayer, as Linda mentioned above...that God "might reveal just what hell is and how terrible it would be to be there for all eternity."
Thanks,
Renee'

PS = I am still grateful to Sandra who helped me walk my way through whether or not to read a secular book given to me by a non believer. Sandra has been a real blessing to me, through these two studies.

I think one of the main ideas of this chapter was balance. If we teach/believe on the doctrine of heaven, we must also teach/believe on the doctrine of hell. If we have pity for the sinner, it should be enough to spur us on to teach him about the eternal consequences of his actions, but not enough for us to try to undo the earthly consequences of his actions.
Bethany

I guess I don't have a problem in believing in a literal hell either. After all, God's word tells us about it, so it must be true. However, I guess I am often guilty of pushing it out of my mind. Otherwise, I would be more burdened for the lost.

This chapter got me thinking: There is reason to be thankful for hell. If hell did not exist, then God would not be holy and just. If there were no punishment for sin, then we would not experience salvation, forgiveness, and God's mercy. God would not be God, and we would not be His children!

Gayle

I think people don't want to believe in hell because they would then have to acknowledge that it is the bible that teaches about hell and they don't want to believe in that.

I feel very sorry for people who will end up in hell especially when they realize a little to late that they did have a choice.

I was asked once if I believed the whole bible.
I said I have to.
It is God's word.
The person who asked me seemed a little surprized by that.
Linda K.

Chapter Eleven

Background

Chapter 11 - A Word to the Wise

First published December 4, 1957

Tozer speaks about a problem that's as old as the Bible! I get the impression in this editorial that he has some one in mind specifically, but this has been a problem through the ages and is still a problem today.

"For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:18)

We have to be so careful about who we listen to, and who we believe. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)

If we don't know what's in the Bible, it's easy to be fooled.

I like his requirements for a missionary on page 43: good report, scholarship, age, experience and wisdom. That's not to say that young people can't be missionaries, but they should be backed up by a reputable mission organization.

I like his statement on page 45: "This whole thing is too sacred to treat lightly; and the judgement is too near."

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

In Christ,
Lisa

Several verses that came to mind as I read this chapter (11)

Philippians 1:18
What then? notwithstanding every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached :and I therein do rejoice, yea and will rejoice.

James 3:1
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Yes, it is of vital importance to know the scriptures so as not to be deceived.

I John 4:1 is a great warning for these situations.

P.44 has a good key to discernment-
"Significantly absent are the woes of Calvary and the travail of the Holy Spirit. Their talk is smooth and convincing, but their spirit is not of the great missionary leaders of the past."

I too agree that the last sentence of the chapter is so appropriate~ "This whole thing is too sacred to treat lightly; the judgment is too near".

We must continually and fervently pray for discernment from God's Spirit.

Linda S

I guess I don’t feel that I have experience in the matter of this chapter. Throughout the years I have been at Grace, I can’t think of one missionary who was a particularly “smooth-talker”. I can think of one man who had particularly exciting stories and was very entertaining to listen to. However, I believe he was also genuine, as his concern for the lost was evident, and he had served faithfully for years. As in all areas, we need to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves when it comes to whom we will support.

Gayle

my response to this chapter is...DITTO OF GAYLE! I just read the chapter and I would have to agree with her. Is that an easy way out or what??
Renee'

I do not admire many people, but missionaries are some of the people I do admire. They give up comfort, families and friends to go into the unknown to spread God's word. I do not feel God's calling for this in my life, but I am thankful for the people who are called and then go and serve. Unfortunately as with anything in life there are always people who will take advantage when they see a way to do so.

I know God will deal with them when their time comes.
So I agree with Tozer that we must be careful who we give money to.
We don't want to support someone who just needs a long vacation.
Linda K.

Chapter Twelve

Background

Chapter 12 – Eating the Locoweed

This editorial was published on December 11, 1957

Several verses came to mind as I read this chapter:

¹⁵For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do ¹⁶If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. ¹⁷Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. ¹⁸For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. ¹⁹For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. ²⁰Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
(Romans 7:15-20)

We as Christians don’t want to sin, but we do. We want to be like Jesus, but we’re not.

Why are we like that?

Then there are the unredeemed. Jesus describes them as “…hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.”
Matthew 23:27

How many people do we know who are pleasant to look at, pleasant to talk to, but who will stab you in the back the first chance they get? I run into that time and again at work.

I like Tozer’s description of sin: “If sin is a disease it is like alcoholism, one that is chosen, bought and voluntarily swallowed.”

“The end of learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love Him and imitate Him.” -- John Milton

We need to seek to imitiate Christ, to humble ourselves and seek God’s will in our lives, just as He did.

As we come through this week, let’s meditate on Christ’s passion, how he set aside His will in order to fulfill God’s will. Where would we be today if He hadn’t done that?

In Christ,
Lisa

Hi All,

If you figure out the answer to that question, let me know & then we can both be rich!! I find myself in that awful position of doing what I know I shouldn't and not doing what I should constantly.

Bethany

Locoweed
I know it well

I could tell you stories for the next 2 days about how drugs and alcohol can change your personality, but I won't go into that now. I just know how easy it is to live a life of sin year after year and to care about nothing but your next fix. To not care how you treat people, much less anything else.

And then I got saved. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For me the difference is that I haved learned how to control my outward actions in most situtations, so I act better, but oh the thoughts I have in my mind. It is easy to go off the deep end in a moment, but with God in your life it is easier not to. People who do such drastic things, feel they have nowhere to turn, except to ruin their life in a split second of anger or pain.

If only they could find God 1st like I did.

Now I am just waiting for the 1st day that I don't sin.
Wonder when that will be.
Most likely not till I get to heaven. Hope I get it by then.

Have a blessed Easter everyone.
Remember if it wasn't for Jesus none of us would get to heaven!
Linda K.

We sin because we are born sinners. It is our nature.

How wonderful to ponder Tozer's thought on page 49 at the bottom. "Secondly since God has in Christ provided a cure, they are responsible to humble themselves and seek forgiveness and cleansing at the fountain opened for all men by the hard dying of Jesus Christ on the Roman cross".

"Hallelujah What a Savior".

"We never get beyond the daily need of humbling ourselves and seeking that forgiveness."

How true what is stated in the last paragraph.... "every man is accountable for his future as well as for his past." "we are responsible for our choice."

I will never be able to comprehend the love of Christ. Who loved me so much.
HE WAS WILLING TO PAY THE PRICE FOR MY REDEMPTION ON A CRUEL CROSS.
Linda S.

I am not sure I agree with Lisa's comment that she "likes" Tozer's description of sin: "If sin is a disease it is like alcoholism, one that is chosen, bought and voluntarily swallowed." It is certainly a most humbling quote, I can't say I like it...like Lisa does, but it sure does stop you in your tracks!!

I understand that the reason we are that way, knowing what to do but not doing it, doing what you know not to do...it is Sin, plain and simple. I understand we were born with a sin nature and all aspects of our lives magnify this truth - unfortunately. And I understand that we are held accountable for our sin. What I have a hard time with is balancing, seeing these both truths meet in harmony with each other. I see both truths separately, but have a hard time seeing them both together.

I must rest in the fact that God is good ALL the time, and that what He calls, is good and right and righteous, regardless of whether or not I can understand it all - not to mention whether or not I agree. To know that unredeemed sinners will go to hell first of all because of their depraved state and that they can do no other, apart from God, I confess troubles and saddens me. So I MUST focus on God's solution....on the redemptive work of the cross. And what am I to do about all those unredeemed sinners, still going to hell? Focus on the solution and pray that God in His mercy will open their eyes that they may know the truth and respond. Hallelujah, what a Savior...and may MORE come to know this truth!
Renee'

Chapter Thirteen

Background