Protected on God's Highway
The sermon emphasizes the importance of staying on the Highway of Holiness, a path that leads to spiritual purity and protection from the devil's attacks.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of staying on the 'highway of holiness' as described in Isaiah 35, where even the simple-minded will not go astray if they remain on this path. He highlights the dangers of straying from this way, which exposes individuals to the attacks of the devil, and stresses the necessity of unity among believers to withstand spiritual attacks. Stegen reflects on the example of John the Baptist, who, despite not performing miracles, prepared the way for Jesus through his faithfulness. He warns against the dangers of pride and sin, urging listeners to remain humble and teachable, and to return to Jesus for cleansing if they have strayed. The sermon calls for a collective faith, as seen in the faith of Timothy's family, emphasizing that isolation can lead to harm.
Text
Summary of sermon by Erlo Stegen, 07 July 2013
Isaiah 35
8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
Jesus said of John the Baptist that there were none born of women greater than he. Others did many miracles, but John never did a miracle. What was his greatness?
He prepared the way for our Lord Jesus Christ, the highway of holiness, faithfully.
The way of holiness is such that even a fool, would not go astray thereon. Even the simple minded, the one that's not intellectually gifted, if he's on this way of holiness won't go astray!
The condition is however, that you're on the way. If you're not on this highway of holiness you're exposed to every attack of the devil. As you move off this way you're vulnerable to every fiery dart of the evil one.
Stay on the Way otherwise you will get damaged and hurt.
Paul spoke of the faith of Timothy that was in his mother and his grandmother. That faith must be in us too.
The Bible also urge us to stay united; if we stay united, the lion of hell, satan, cannot attack us successfully. However, if we isolate ourselves, then we're guaranteed to be hurt and harmed. We depend on our brothers and sisters. For 12 years I had lived alone, independently, thinking that I don't need others. However, when revival came I realised that I need my brethren. We only know in part and others have their part.
Don't be overconfident thinking there are no dangers. There are many dangers and the devil waits his time.
Our text also says, "the defiled shall not walk therein".
Nothing will separate us as children of God, except sin. Don't be overconfident but fear. Pride and gossip will separate us from each other. If you allow sin to enter you'll become estranged from the children of God.
Be aggressive against sin in your life. Don't allow it. Learn to be soft and humble and teachable.
If you have moved off the way come back to Jesus and seek His cleansing.
Sermon Outline
- The Highway of Holiness
- The Dangers of Leaving the Way
- Staying on the Way
- Avoiding Sin and Pride
- Being Aggressive Against Sin
- Returning to Jesus for Cleansing
Key Quotes
“The way of holiness is such that even a fool, would not go astray thereon.” — Erlo Stegen
“If you have moved off the way come back to Jesus and seek His cleansing.” — Erlo Stegen
“The Bible also urge us to stay united; if we stay united, the lion of hell, satan, cannot attack us successfully.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Be aggressive against sin in your life and avoid pride and gossip.
- Stay united with your brothers and sisters in Christ to receive spiritual protection.
- Return to Jesus for cleansing when you stray from the Highway of Holiness.