The Warfare of the Spirit

First, it was good to get together in the local group today. We had some pretty good discussions. Our next meeting is October 7 and we’ll be covering chapters 35 thru 38. We’re coming down the home stretch and we’ll finish up this book in our November meeting!

I’d like to take a break over Christmas and start up again in January. I’m thinking of doing two books, one for the e-mail group and the other for the local group. They would both be on prayer, and I hope they will complement each other. My copies of both books are in the fellowship room at church for anyone who’s interested in seeing them.

For the e-mail group, I’d like to do Evelyn Christenson’s book “A Journey into Prayer”. You can read about it on Amazon here. It’s got 99 devotional chapters, each 2 pages long. If we do two chapters a week, we’ll cover the book in one year. That would be about the same pace that we’ve been doing ”Warfare of the Spirit”.

For the local group, I’d like to do “Becoming a Woman of Prayer” by Cynthia Heald. It’s the book that the church gave to the women on Mother’s day. You can read about it on Amazon here. It has 11 chapters, so 1 chapter a month will take us through 2008.

I appreciate any feedback on either one of these books.

Now, on to Tozer:

Chapter 35: Conformity, a Snare in Religion

This was first published on August 24, 1960

This is not a surprising chapter, especially in light of the time when it was written. Tozer lived through the rise of Nazi Germany and the rise of the Communist Soviet Union. In 1960, America and the Soviet Union were embroiled in the cold war. Both regimes depended heavily on mass conformity.

I think the crux of this chapter is that we’re only to conform to what scripture tells us. On page 148, Tozer says: “Conformity to the Word of God is always right, but obedience to the religious leaders is good only if those leaders prove themselves worthy to lead.”

1 John 4:1-3 tells us: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

I like his distinction on the bottom of page 149: “In the church or denomination where the Holy Spirit is in control, there will be no imposed conformity, but there will be happy cooperation with the anointed leaders on the part of all.” The Holy Spirit is the key to whether or not we are conforming to the Word of God and His will, or to the will of someone who is only interested in furthering himself.

Are we in great danger in our present-day evangelical circles of placing too great importance on conformity to authorities within the churches and stifling whatever originality and daring there may be among us? (p. 148).

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

In Christ, Lisa

HMMM... Conformity.

All that comes to my mind is

Romans 12:2, "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." ( it goes on to tell us how to live a life pleasing to the Lord)

and.....

1 Peter 1:14-16," Obey God because you are his children. Don't slip back into your old ways of doing evil (one version says conforming to former lusts); you didn't know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God-who chose you to be his children-is holy. For he himself has said, "You must be holy because I am holy."

Tozer says,that "Conformity to God is always right (I agree), but the obedience to religious leaders is good only if those leaders prove themselves worthy to lead." (pg 148) ??? Hebrews 13:17 says,"Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they know they are accountable to God." Then in Romans 13 we are told that if we do not obey our leaders then we are not obeying the Lord. We need to OBEY our leaders that God has placed there to lead whether we think they are worthy or not, they are accountable to God not to us. Look at David and King Saul. After all David went through, he still acknowledged that God had placed Saul in that position and refused to harm Saul--or let others harm him.

The only reason we should not obey them is if it goes against God's Word. If they have become disqualified as a leader, then they should be taken out of the leadership roll.

We, as believers, do need to be sure that we do not conform ourselves to any man--even our leaders, but rather be conformed by the Lord and live a life that pleases Him.
Sandra

In reading this chapter, Romans 12:2 was the first thing that came to my mind also.

As far as leadership goes, the chapter made me think of how we choose those who are our leaders.

Matthew 20:25-28 came to my mind:
"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, 'Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Even as the Son of man came not be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

When we are in a position to choose those who will lead us, we need to look to people who are truly humble and have a servant attitude.
Gayle

For once, I liked the chapter!!

I have to remind myself, that these chapters were editorials, and they were not written as chapters for a book. I know that should be obvious to me, but I forget.

I guess I liked the chapter because the bottom line is...I DON"T like to conform. Anyone who knows me well, has already figured that out!

I liked the opening statement...'conformity is the virtue of the slave and can become the vice of the saint." I think this is so true. Why is it so many times, christians want to return to slavehood of following man made rules? Instead of following Christ? It is no wonder sometimes, that the unsaved do not find the lives of believers appealing! Sometimes I do not either.

How right Tozer was to say that Conformity to God's Word is ALWAYS right.

Many of us have seen, unfortunately more than once the devastation that occurs to churches, families and individuals when a person in church who is a position of authority begins to control and stifle all things that are threatening to their ways. When I look back at that, it makes me shudder.

What wise is the reminder that the church must be controlled and led by the Holy Spirit and not by man! And that of course is a good reminder for me too, day by day...to be led by the Spirit and and not myself.
Renee'

This chapter made some very valid points.

I do believe since the analogy of sheep is often applied to believers, it is the nature of sheep to follow. I think back to the tragedy of Jim Jones and what happened when people blindly followed a leader. Yes, it is vital to check everything according to God's Word. If the leader does not seem to be in harmony with the Word of God, it is time to question his authority.

Page 147 middle paragraph was interesting. "Almost every great soul has been a nonconformist. Millions of us less gifted persons may thank God for the sturdy dissenters who fought our battles for us, often long before we were born, by daring to rise up and challenge the status quo."

Yes, " Conformity to the Word of God is always right, but obedience to religious leaders is good only if those leaders prove themselves worthy to lead." page 148
Linda S.

I am late posting this , who knows what happened last week. Anyway I guess by now most of you have realized that conforming to is not my speciality.

I never was a follower, I doubt I ever will be.
To follow others is to give up thinking for youself. No matter what you do you will never get 100% of all people to agree with you anyway, so why bother trying.

I abide by the rules I must abide by, otherwise I follow no one except God & Jesus since I got saved, and even they have trouble with me sometimes.

And so it should be with all Christians and the church. We will never have the worlds approval, but we should not conform in our beliefs or worship services or church principals. If we do we are the losers.
Linda K.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Background

Chapter 36 -- The Popularity of Christ

This editorial was first published on December 14, 1960

In some ways this editorial is dated, in other ways it's not. I don't think Christ is quite as popular today as he was back in 1960, but I do agree with Tozer's statement on page 152: "We can only conclude that Jesus is universally popular today because He is universally misunderstood." People outside of Christendom who admire Jesus also deny His deity. They present Jesus as a teacher or prophet, but not God.

I also like Tozer's statement on page 154: "The contradiction between Christ and unregenerate society is sharp and irreconcilable, but the contrast between society and its own mistaken conception of Him is scarcely noticeable."

Unbelievers do not like to be confronted with the living Christ, fully God and fully man. Too many people want to keep their small view of Christ, because it makes them feel spiritual without making them uncomfortable.

I don't think his indictment of Christians on page 154 fits us at Grace: "Christians today have developed the perilous habit of accepting the authority of the New Testament on matters that do not concern them, and rejecting it on matters that do." I have, however, been in churches that are like that.

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

In Christ, Lisa

pg 154 -
Christians have developed the perilous habit of accepting the authority of the New Testament on matters that do not concern them and rejecting it on matters that do.

Therein lies the problem. We need to live by Christ's authority on everything, not just when it suits us.

How can we expect the unsaved to want to follow Christ's teachings when we don't.
We cannot talk the talk if we cannot walk the walk.
So it begins with each one of us and that is where our focus must be.
If people see Christ in us, they may want it also for themselves.

As for his popularity.
I never hear any of the unsaved people I work with talk about him.
Linda K.

Some noteworthy thoughts to me in this chapter...

p.152 "Yet the teachings of Christ are wholly contrary to the beliefs of the modern world. The spiritual philosophy underlying the kingdom of God is radically opposed to that of civilized society. In short, the Christ of the New Testament and the world of mankind are so sharply opposed to each other as to amount to downright hostility. To achieve a compromise is impossible."

I do believe this is true, and yet I do see so many believers who try to live a compromising life with worldly values and kingdom of God values. How sad!!!

p.154 "What should seriously concern us, however is not that the world praises Christ without obeying Him, but that the church does."

Yes, yes this is a serious concern.

P.155 "And so with too many churches also Jesus is popular but impotent. Surely another reformation is indicated."

I need a reformation of my heart each day.
"Help me LORD JESUS to heed and obey you always".
Linda S.

Is Jesus "popular" today?

Living in a multicultural part of the world, He is. To the Muslims, Jesus is seen a a good prophet--but nothing more. To the Hindus, Jesus is another one of their gods--they think nothing of adding Him to the rest (kinda like the statement on pg. 151-"Practically every cult finds a place for Him somewhere in its system.") It is sad to see that so many people THINK they know the truth, yet are so blinded by their false belief. There are many instances where we pray (in Jesus' name) for people here and we are amazed to see Christ at work. He reveals Himself and people know that JESUS is powerful, but they need to count the cost before truly giving their lives to Him.

As for us believers--as Tozer says, we VIOLATE our vows when we ignore His commands.And as he states on pg 154--the sad reality that Christians accept Biblical teachings--as long as it doesn't affect them! I have witnessed this many times, and by some of the most admirable people. Lord help me never fall to that.
Sandra

It is sad to see that so many people THINK they know the truth, yet are so blinded by their false belief. A thought came to me this morning, it is very helpful to me to know that when I get to heaven, I will no longer be carrying such a heavy, almost unbearable burden for those who do not know the truth. I will no longer be saddened by those who have never come to Christ, and the burden will have been lifted. But for now, sometimes, it is almost unbearable.
Renee'

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Background

Chapter 37 -- The Lordship of the Man Jesus is Basic

This was first published on January 11, 1961

This chapter strengthens our view of Christ the way Pastor's sermon this morning strengthens our view of the spirit! I found this chapter to be very uplifting and positive. I especially like the following quotes:

p. 157: "We are quick to assert that when He walked the earth He was God with men, but we overlook a truth equally as important, that where He sits now on His mediatorial throne He is Man with God".

p. 158: "Salvation comes...by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, the whole, living, victorious Lord who, as God and man, fought our fight and won it, accepted our debt as His own and paid it, took our sins and died under them and rose again to set us free."

I agree with Tozer that the world has a view of Christ as a weak, effeminate person. Praise God that Jesus has been exalted and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and intercedes for us! (Philippians 2:9-11, Hebrews 9:24)

What are your thoughts on this chapter?

In Christ, Lisa

(PS. Don't forget, the local group gets together on October 7 to discuss chapters 35 thru 38)

Reading this chapter, I really enjoyed page 158. Tozer does a great job reminding us who Christ is... "a man glorified...bearing our lineaments...heir of all things, Lord of all worlds, Head of the church and the firstborn of all creation...the WAY TO GOD...hope...High Priest...advocate." Tozer continues by saying, "This is not all that can be said about Him (speaking of Christ)...the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." He is the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE. No one goes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Lets glorify God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in ALL we say and do.
Sandra

This chapter spoke to me.
There were several key thoughts in this chapter which are noteworthy.

p.160 last paragraph "One cause of our moral weakness today is an inadequate Christology."

I agree wholeheartedly with this statement.

p.159 first full paragraph...
"But something less is among us, nevertheless, we do well to identify it so that we may repudiate it. That something is a poetic fiction, a product of the romantic imagination and maudlin religious fancy. It is Jesus, gentle, dreamy, shy, sweet and feminine, almost effeminate, and marvelously adaptable to whatever society He may find Himself in.etc. He is used as a means to almost any carnal end, but He is never acknowledged as Lord. These quasi Christians follow a quasi Christ. They want His help but not His interference. They will flatter Him but never obey Him."

This also is quite true today. Recently I read a book entitled JESUS, MEAN AND WILD. The pastor who authored this book actually injected some thoughts which are rarely mentioned in today's church.
To me his ideas were also thought provoking.

p. 158 (middle paragraph) I really wholeheartedly agreed with Tozer on his description of Jesus and thought this is Christiology.

"But more than this, He is heir of all things,
Lord of all worlds,
Head of the Church and
Firstborn of the new creation.
He is the way to God,
the life of the believer,
the hope of Israel and the
High Priest of every true worshiper.
HE holds the keys of death and hell and
stands as advocate and
surety for everyone who believes on HIM in truth."

HALLELUJAH!!! WHAT A SAVIOR!
Linda S.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Background

Chapter 38 – The Menace of the Common Image

This editorial was first published on October 4, 1961

"The true calling of a Christian is not to do extraordinary things, but to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way." --Dean Stanley

This ended up being a pretty good chapter. It’s a good reminder that both saved and unsaved people are watching what we do and how we act. We’re told in Titus 2 to teach the younger women. The best way to do that is by example.

How can we be better examples to the younger women, and “shatter the ‘common’ image which is now accepted as the standard?” (P. 164) I’d like to hear your thoughts and discuss ideas at our meeting this Sunday (October 7).

In Christ, Lisa

As believers, we need to seek those who can give us wise counsel--good models, and we need to be models for others! This chapter was a good reminder of that! Like Lisa said, we are being watched by everyone.

I think of the chapter in 1 Corinthians 10 when Paul was warning against worshiping idols and should they eat the meat offered to idols. He says in verses 27-33:
" If someone who isn’t a Christian asks you home for dinner, go ahead; accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you and don’t ask any questions about it. Your conscience should not be bothered by this. But suppose someone warns you that this meat has been offered to an idol. Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.Now, why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks? If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it? Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. That is the plan I follow, too. I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what I like or what is best for me, but what is best for them so they may be saved."

I was also reminded this week that our reactions to each situation we face says a lot to everyone around us--esp. the younger women! Be a living, LOVING example--w/o fear of what others may say. In every situation, it is the attitude of the heart that shines.
Sandra

Chapter 38 - The Menace of the Common Image

This chapter gave much food for thought and meditation. I like p.162 last paragraph...

"The true Christian is uncommon for the reason that he is not in the majority; he is different from the world in that he lives as Abraham was different from the inhabitants of Canaan. He is likely to be a lowly, humble, approachable man with no claims to greatness or superiority, but his moral standards, his attitudes toward fame, money, earthly pleasures, life and death, mark him as being from another world."

Oh that all of us who claim to be Chrisians would have this mark of the uncommon as being from another world. My sad observation is that too many of us Christians try to be like the world and fit in just like any other person, earning more and more money to buy more and more temporary things which will eventually be burned up in fire. Too many mothers abandoning their homes and first calling as wives and mothers and joining the workplace. What a sad precedent!

Then on page 164 first paragraph~the challenge... "A sacred obligation lies upon each of us to be Christlike. This generation of Christians must have models it can safely admire."

warning at end of chapter is noteworthy...
"And we had better take this whole thing seriously."
Linda S.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Background