The Dynamic Power of Obedience: An Essential Christian Practice for Bearing Fruit

by A.W. Tozer, James L. Snyder (compiler)

Culture is saturated in self-interest and self-preservation, and the church has become complacent--and complicit. Many Christians want God to move--but only if they don't have to move. In an age of spectacle and opulence, we've lost sight of sacrifice and obedience.

In this never-before-published compilation of teachings, A.W. Tozer turns to Bible passages and stories like Abraham and Isaac, unpacking them to reveal spiritual truths crucial to a lifetime of fruitfulness and unwavering obedience. With wisdom and practical insight, he reveals how to
· surrender completely to Jesus without compromise
· obey even when shrouded in confusion and questions
· stay the course when your surrender and obedience are challenged
· live each day in full obedience to Christ

When you are committed to a life of non-negotiated obedience, you will discover a power in your Christian life that you didn't know before--and can't explain now. Obedience will cost you everything. But it will give you everything God has intended for you.

176 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Aiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").

Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.

A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.

Reviews

[Craig Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s been about a decade since I last read Tozer. What I recall from before is Bible-centered teaching, point-blank hot takes, and a humble approach to his writing. This is exactly what I got when reading The Dynamic Power of Obedience.

The content of this book was taken from a variety of Tozer’s sermons, not within a series on obedience, but from various sermons that contained the topic. I find it amazing that we can continue to tap into the teaching of Tozer long after these sermons were initially preached.

The first chapter had me intrigued as it sets up a “theology of obedience”. Snyder, the editor for the book, made a wise choice by placing this content at the beginning of the book. Tozer helps us recall that we are made in God’s image, and we also remember that we are made with a purpose, which is wrapped up in a life of obedience.

The rest of the book circles around the topics of practical obedience, the results of obedience, obedience as worship, the transformative power of obedience, and much more. I feel like obedience can be something that makes people shy away from Christianity, because humans like to be the captain of their own ship. But Tozer presents it in a way that makes sense, both logically and theologically. And he’s humble in his approach, admitting ways that he has stumbled in obedience in the past but walking in the grace of Christ into the future. It’s amazing that these sermons preached decades ago on obedience still hold so much weight for the reader.

I feel like the book can be summed up in this one statement toward the end of the book: “In regard to our obedience to God, we should always seek to be where He wants us to be, when He wants us to be there.”

I really enjoyed this book and felt encouraged to carefully consider how I am being obedient in my own life. And I look forward to reading more Tozer in the future!

[geekoutonreading : Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Without God's Word, we have no basis for truth and nothing to be obedient to; rather, we would all be led by our own opinions and whims."

A. W. Tozer is a big name in Christian circles, but this is the first book I've read by him.

This book was almost formatted as a devotional, with short chapters and a prayer at the end, interspersed with hymns and poems and such.

God wants our obedience, and this book points in the right direction to do that. With wit and wisdom, Tozer leads us to the Bible which ultimately leads us to obedience in God.

I will be reading more of A. W. Tozer.

(James L. Snyder did a great job of compiling Tozer's writings for this book!)

*Thank you to Bethany House Nonfiction and Baker Books for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*

[Jonathon M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential reading for the topic of obedience. "Obedience" is a dirty word these days, and yet Tozer unpacks why it is so important in the life of the Christian. This book is really a collection of mini sermons. In that sense, each one can be treated as a devotional. I found myself highlighting A LOT. But what was also really helpful is that end of the book contains numerous quotes from Tozer on obedience from some of his other works. I'll be using this book and those quotes in talks and teachings going forward. (I received a complimentary copy as a reviewer and all opinions shared are my own.)

[Megan Dickerson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine. Not as great as other Tozer books. Definitely falls apart if not in the Reformed framework.
But the encouragement to obey and motivations for obedience to the Lord are great and encouraging. The short chapters would make it a helpful devotional read.