Prepare to Meet Christ
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of purity and fidelity in our relationship with Christ, drawing parallels to marriage and cultural values.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of purity and faithfulness in our relationship with Christ, likening it to a bride preparing for her wedding. He warns against the deception that can lead us away from the simplicity of Christ, urging believers to maintain a pure heart as the church is betrothed to Jesus. Stegen reflects on the cultural significance of purity and the need for both husbands and wives to honor their commitments and spread the Gospel. He shares the story of C.T. Studd to illustrate the passion for God that should remain even after marriage. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, unwavering devotion to Christ as we prepare to meet Him.
Text
2Corinthians 11:2,3
For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
It is wonderful to see the bride coming in and it reminds us of the last wedding when we will see the Lord Jesus. A bride normally has a trousseau or box in which she has collected items for the day when she will get married. We will also have a box or coffin when we die and go to meet the heavenly bridegroom.
The Bible says many things about marriage. It says that we are engaged to the Lord Jesus and it is feared that we will be deceived in the same way as the serpent deceived Eve. We must be presented as a pure virgin. The Bible says much about purity. The Zulus honoured purity. Unfortunately that has been lost today. Today, even homosexuals and lesbians are prevalent, which is evil.
The Lord Jesus is jealous and wants us only for Himself. A wife cannot have two husbands. We, as His church, must have pure hearts.
A bride must treat her husband well. She must not be like the Zulu proverb that says, "later she will kick her husband". Then the husband should send her straight back to her family for them to teach her to behave properly. She must be a daughter to her mother-in-law, and a help in the family. The Gospel brings light and direction. A husband should be faithful even if he goes to Johannesburg. The in-laws should also treat their daughter-in-law well so that she will look after them well in their old age. As married people, you should spread the gospel more than ever before.
C T Studd was a sickly person and when he saw a sign that cannibals need a missionary, he smiled thinking of the missionary being eaten. However, later he went to Central Africa and preached and many were converted.
Before missionaries are married, they are often on fire for God and afterwards they are like a blunt knife. God wants us to be pure and holy and on fire for Him even if we are married.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the concept of being the bride of Christ
- The significance of purity in our relationship with Christ
- The dangers of deception as illustrated by Eve
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II
- The importance of fidelity in our spiritual marriage
- The role of the church as the bride of Christ
- The call to maintain a pure heart
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III
- Lessons from Zulu culture on purity and marriage
- The responsibilities of a bride towards her husband
- The importance of family dynamics in marriage
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IV
- The example of C T Studd and his missionary work
- The need for continued zeal for God after marriage
- Encouragement for married couples to spread the gospel
Key Quotes
“The Lord Jesus is jealous and wants us only for Himself.” — Erlo Stegen
“A bride must treat her husband well.” — Erlo Stegen
“God wants us to be pure and holy and on fire for Him even if we are married.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Reflect on your personal commitment to Christ and ensure it remains pure and undivided.
- Engage with your spouse in discussions about faith and actively participate in spreading the gospel together.
- Learn from cultural teachings on marriage to enhance your understanding of responsibilities and fidelity.