Man, Are You Tired of Being Sad?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of fighting sin, knowing oneself, and fearing God to achieve salvation and eternal life.
Othmar Roth preaches about the importance of righteousness and fighting against sin to avoid eternal pain. He emphasizes the need for self-reflection, purification of the heart, humility, and avoiding gossip. Roth urges individuals to fear God, keep His commands, and pray for grace to be spared from sin. He highlights the significance of living in truth, seeking comfort in Jesus Christ's spirit, and the importance of Christ's intercession as the end of time approaches.
Text
Man, are you tired of being sad? Start doing what is right. Sin brings eternal pain, and one needs to fight it. Be serious! Get to know yourself first. Purify your heart and be humble. Then men may call you great.
It is difficult for the one who loves to talk to get to know himself. If he would think of who he is, he would not have so much to say. Look at yourself! Leave the rest. Do not gossip. Be quiet . . . so that in the end you may not be put to shame. What you measure out will be measured to you. Christ treats all men fairly. No sin remains unpunished. Therefore fear God and keep his commands. No good deed remains without its reward. Pray for grace, early and late, and pray that we may be spared. If you want to be saved, keep away from sin! To be carnally minded is death. Leave the world! Leave your possessions! Leave your goods and your money! The one who thinks of death chooses the best and Christ earns grace for him.
God will not forsake the one who lives in the truth. God is ready to hear us if we hate sin. Oh Jesus Christ, it is your spirit that comforts us. Do not leave us! Be merciful to us and intercede for us . . . as we near the end of time.
-- Othmar Roth, Sankt Gallen in Switzerland, 1532, Ausbund 58
Sermon Outline
- Be Serious and Fight Sin
- Know Yourself
- Fear God and Keep His Commands
- Seek Salvation and Leave the World
- Leave possessions and focus on eternal life
- Choose Christ and His grace
Key Quotes
“What you measure out will be measured to you.” — Ausbund
“To be carnally minded is death.” — Ausbund
“Oh Jesus Christ, it is your spirit that comforts us.” — Ausbund
Application Points
- Recognize the consequences of sin and take steps to fight it.
- Be quiet and introspective to know yourself and leave distractions behind.
- Choose Christ and His grace to achieve salvation and eternal life.