Book SummaryDiscipleship, by A.W. Tozer

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Discipleship

What True Discipleship Entails

This section dives into what genuine discipleship encompasses, emphasizing that it goes beyond mere belief or occasional obedient acts. Tozer paints a picture of wholehearted commitment, a life transformed by Jesus' dominion, marked by self-denial and unwavering following.

Discipleship Means Full Commitment, Not Partial or Occasional Obedience to Christ

Tozer challenges the widespread notion that one can be saved by merely acknowledging Christ's role as Savior while postponing obedience to His Lordship. He argues that genuine discipleship requires complete surrender, centering your life on Christ rather than making Him a peripheral figure you turn to in times of need. This entails embracing the costly demands of denying oneself and bearing one's cross, following Christ completely, not selectively.

Discipleship: Let Christ Be Central and Lord, Not Just Savior

Tozer critiques the "easy believism" prevalent in modern Christianity, where individuals are encouraged to "accept Christ" without grappling with the implications of His authority. He warns against treating Christ like a divine vending machine, dispensing blessings while we dictate how we engage. According to Tozer, authentic discipleship involves being devoted solely to Christ, where He is more than merely one of many interests but the central, defining force around which our lives revolve. This requires a revolutionary transformation that affects every aspect of our existence, placing all other relationships and commitments under Christ's dominion.

Tozer uses the analogy of the solar system to illustrate this central focus. Just as our planet orbits the sun, so too must our lives revolve around Christ. He criticizes the practice of compartmentalizing our lives, keeping certain areas off-limits to Christ's influence. For Tozer, disciples don't negotiate terms with Jesus; they embrace His terms wholeheartedly, welcoming His allies as their friends and His enemies as their enemies. This exclusive attachment extends to accepting His path, His rejection, His cross, His existence, and His future as ours.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer for a cause that aligns with your beliefs to put your faith into action. Engaging in community service or social justice initiatives can be a tangible way to live out your convictions and avoid the trap of passively accepting beliefs without integrating them into your life.
• Explore the historical context of Christ's life by reading non-religious texts that discuss the political and social climate of the era. Understanding the authority figures, power structures, and societal norms of the time can give you a clearer picture of the kind of authority Christ was associated with and how it contrasts with modern interpretations.
• Volunteer for a cause without any intention of personal gain to cultivate selflessness. Choose an activity that aligns with your values and commit to it regularly. This could be helping at a local shelter, mentoring youth, or participating in community clean-ups, which helps shift the focus from receiving to giving.
• Create a "Christ-Centered Decision Coin" to use when faced with choices. This can be a simple coin with "What Would Jesus Do?" on one side and "Does This Honor Christ?" on the other. Whenever you're unsure about a decision, flip the coin and let it remind you to consider the Christ-centered approach to your dilemma. This tangible reminder can help reinforce the concept of making Christ the focus of your decisions.
• Implement a "One Small Step" approach to your daily routine. Each day, identify one small, manageable change you can make that moves you towards a more holistic transformation. For example, if you're looking to be more environmentally conscious, you might start by eliminating single-use plastics from your lunch. If you're aiming to be more present and mindful, you might spend five minutes meditating each morning. Small steps accumulate over time, leading to significant change without overwhelming you.
• Develop a "Commitment Compass" by crafting a small, portable reminder, such as a card or a digital note on your phone, that lists key principles that should govern your relationships and commitments. Refer to this compass before making decisions or when you feel conflicted, to ensure that your actions are consistent with your spiritual goals.
• Implement a 'gravity check' routine where, at set times during the day, you pause to assess what is currently drawing you in the strongest – is it Christ or something else? Use a simple app or timer to remind you to take these moments for reflection. If you find your focus is drifting away from your faith, take a brief time out to realign, perhaps with a prayer, a passage from scripture, or a meditative moment.
• Create a "faith orbit" playlist with music that centers your thoughts on your spiritual life. Music has the power to influence mood and mindset. Select songs that remind you of the values you wish to embody and play them during times you're most likely to get distracted or stressed, like during your commute or while working out.
• Implement a "No Haggle" policy in your decision-making process when it comes to matters of faith. When faced with a choice that impacts your spiritual life, choose the option that aligns most closely with your core beliefs, even if it's not the easiest or most convenient. This might mean turning down social invitations that conflict with your values or making lifestyle changes that better reflect your commitments.
• Create a personal "values checklist" to evaluate new acquaintances. By listing the core values and beliefs that align with your understanding of friendship and enmity in the context of your faith, you can use this checklist when meeting new people to gauge whether their values align with yours. For example, if generosity and compassion are on your checklist, observe how a new acquaintance...

Discipleship Summary The Call to Surrender and Follow Commands

This section unpacks the inseparable connection between salvation and obedience to Christ. Tozer exposes the flawed teaching that allows for a "postponed obedience," arguing that genuine salvation inherently involves submitting to Christ's Lordship. He underscores the vital importance of wholehearted obedience, not selective or half-hearted adherence to divine commands.

Salvation and Obedience to Jesus Are Inseparable

Tozer challenges popular evangelical appeals that present salvation as a cost-free transaction, requiring no change or surrender. He argues that this portrayal is unbiblical and ultimately dangerous. Genuine salvation, according to Tozer, necessarily includes obedience. He cites multiple scriptures (1 Peter 1:2, Romans 5:19, John's gospel, Ephesians 2:2) to demonstrate that sin is fundamentally rooted in rebellion against God's authority. Salvation, therefore, must involve a reversal of this rebellion, a submission to

God's rightful authority as Creator.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding that sin means being disobedient. Tozer uses the analogy of a prison escapee, who may experience hardship and misery but whose primary problem is evading...

Discipleship Summary Why Righteous Living and Sanctity Matter

This section explores the crucial role that holiness plays in a follower's journey. Tozer highlights God's sacredness as the supreme model and motivation for our pursuit of purity and moral wholeness. He warns against neglecting this call to purity, arguing that it fuels our spiritual experiences and enables the Spirit to work powerfully within us.

Holiness: An Essential Trait of the Divine to Emulate

Tozer reiterates the importance of holiness to God, pointing to the frequent use of the word "holy" throughout Scripture. He emphasizes that holiness isn't an optional add-on for advanced Christians; it's a fundamental aspect of being God's children, since God is sacred. While we cannot attain God's absolute holiness, we are called to reflect this quality of His in our own lives.

Tozer unpacks the meaning of holiness, clarifying that it's not negative or restrictive but a positive attribute representing moral wholeness. He explains that holiness encompasses benevolence, compassion, moral cleanliness, innocence, and divine qualities. It's about being "right" not just outwardly but inwardly, possessing a character that can withstand scrutiny and testing.

Holiness...

Discipleship Summary Preparing for Eternity

This section challenges the assumption that salvation guarantees preparation for eternity. Tozer emphasizes that God uses our earthly lives to ready us for eternity, employing discipline, chastening, and various trials to conform us to the image of Christ. He argues that embracing this process, though often painful, is essential for attaining the fullness of God's plans for us.

Salvation Isn't Full Preparation For Heaven

Tozer acknowledges the centrality of being saved through belief in Christ, affirming that it’s the foundational truth of the gospel. He emphasizes the power of believing in Christ's atoning death for forgiveness of sins and the guarantee of eternal life. However, he clarifies that this initial act of faith doesn't conclude our spiritual journey but rather starts a lifelong process of preparation for heaven.

Tozer addresses the instance of the dying thief on the cross, whom Jesus assured of paradise. He acknowledges that divine grace extends to those with limited time to respond to the gospel. However, Tozer emphasizes that the majority of believers experience a longer journey of faith, during which God works to mature and refine them. He argues that if we...

Discipleship Summary The Duty to Evangelize

This section addresses the believer’s responsibility to share the message of salvation with others. Tozer refutes the idea of believers who remain private or quiet, arguing that true faith is inherently expressive and compels us to tell others about the grace we’ve experienced. He connects the call to evangelize with the essence of God's love, which seeks to draw all people to Himself.

Disciples Can't Keep the Message of Salvation to Themselves

Tozer criticizes the notion of a silent, unexpressed faith, comparing it to a disordered mental state where individuals withdraw into themselves and refuse to communicate. He argues that God granted us a voice to express the wonders we experience internally, and that keeping silent about our faith betrays a spiritual deficiency.

He challenges those who claim that their faith is so holy they can't discuss it, suggesting this is often a cover for not having genuinely encountered God. Tozer emphasizes that we naturally talk about whatever is most important to us, and if God truly occupies the center of our being, we can’t help but speak of Him to those around us.

Spiritual Experiences and Jesus' Love Compel Gospel Sharing

Tozer...