Let Him Who Has Laid His Hand on the Plow Not Look Back!
The sermon emphasizes the importance of pressing on towards the goal of eternal life with Jesus Christ and warns against the consequences of looking back.
Hans Betz preaches about the importance of not looking back once you have committed to following Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need to press on towards the goal of gaining Christ, who will raise believers with Him on the day of resurrection. Betz warns against the fate of Lot's wife, who was punished for looking back and turning into a pillar of salt, urging his listeners to declare themselves for Christ and move forward without hesitation, promising eternal joy for those who overcome.
Text
Let him who has laid his hand on the plow not look back! Press on to the goal! Press on to Jesus Christ! The one who gains Christ will rise with him from the dead on the youngest day. . . . Remember Lot's wife! When she looked back she was punished by God and became a pillar of salt. Let this be your example, you who have chosen the Way. Do not turn around! Do not look back! Declare yourselves for Christ and go ahead! If you overcome you will live with him in eternal joy!
-- Hans Betz, Ausbund, 111:11-12
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Pressing On
- The Consequences of Looking Back
- The Reward of Overcoming
- Living with Christ in eternal joy
- The promise of rising with Christ
Key Quotes
“Let him who has laid his hand on the plow not look back!” — Ausbund
“The one who gains Christ will rise with him from the dead on the youngest day.” — Ausbund
“If you overcome you will live with him in eternal joy!” — Ausbund
Application Points
- Commit to following Jesus Christ and pressing on towards the goal of eternal life.
- Avoid looking back and dwelling on past mistakes or regrets.
- Declare yourself for Christ by living according to His teachings and following His example.