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4 But when dthe goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, enot because of works done by us in righteousness, but faccording to his own mercy, by gthe washing of regeneration and hrenewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he ipoured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that jbeing justified by his grace we might become kheirs laccording to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7 To teach that the filling with the Holy Spirit is given to the Christian to provide "power for service" is to teach truth, but not the whole truth. Power for service is but one effect of the experience, and I do not hesitate to say that it is the least of several effects. It is least for the very reason that it touches service, presumably service to mankind; and contrary to the popular belief, "to serve this present age" is not the Christian's first duty... The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to restore the lost soul to intimate fellowship with God through the washing of regeneration... God wants worshipers before workers; indeed the only acceptable workers are those who have learned the lost art of worship. It is inconcievable that a sovereign and holy God should be so hard up for workers that He would press into service anyone who had been empowered regardless of his moral qualifications... Gifts and power for service the Spirit surely desires to impart; but holiness and spiritual worship come first. A.W. Tozer, Tozer on Christian Leadership, February 25th. |
Comments
What you have written is very true. However, worship is inseparable from service. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices which is our reasonable worship (also translated "service"). And "as you have done unto the least of these, my brethren, you have done it unto me." And were saved "unto good works."
The "worshiper" who is lost in his/her transcendant worship experience, may be playing an emotional mind game. God does not "need" workers, but Christ called us to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send more workers into the harvest.
Our worship involves service. We are like Paul's picture of worship--latreo--the word describing the work that a temple servant performs.
doc
Well, let me first clarify that I didn't write it, A.W. Tozer did.
Secondly, totally agree with you of course but I think what Tozer wanted to point out - and what I wholeheartedly agree with - is the tendency, particularly in the American church to be busy while neglecting the foundational aspects of our faith. It's not that he is saying that it the two are separable, it's that he's saying that the primary/initial/first function of the Spirit is regeneration and worship. Where you point out that we can be prone to emotionalism, Tozer (and I) would point to the other extreme of pragmatism.
Thanks Doc. I always look forward to your comments.
I "totally agree" with you and Tozer. Perhaps I am reacting to my own tendency to desire a mystical experience, a direct encounter with God. I agree that service should grow out of worship. Our desire to serve God should be out of our profound gratitude for our salvation. I must discipline myself to not just tear up at taking Communion, but to also roll up my sleeves, wrap the towel around my waist, kneel down to wash the feet of the saints, preach the gospel (otherwise "how can they hear"), visit the imprisoned, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, heal the sick, provide a cup of cold water in Jesus name.