Protector of the Ring
The sermon emphasizes the importance of entrusting our lives and commitments to God, who is able to preserve us through challenges.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of entrusting our lives and callings to God, likening our commitment to Him to a precious ring that He is able to protect until the end. He shares John Newton's dream, illustrating how easily we can be seduced into abandoning our faith during difficult times, just as Peter denied Christ despite his promises. The sermon reminds us that we cannot rely on our own strength to uphold our commitments, and that God values our lives immensely. By allowing God to carry our burdens, we can experience true victory and joy in our spiritual journey.
Text
2Ti 1:12 "... I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."
In Afrikaans it uses the word "pand". Why? This word can mean different things. It can mean a ring.
"... en ek is oortuig dat Hy mag het om my pand te bewaar tot dié dag toe."
God is able to keep that which I've committed to Him right to the end.
JOHN NEWTON'S STRANGE DREAM
It was while he was on a voyage that he had an extraordinary dream that left a deep impression upon his mind. He saw himself on board a ship in Venice harbour where a man handed him a valuable ring of exceptional beauty and worth. As he placed it on his finger, he was promised that so long as it was in his possession, he would be successful and happy. Should he lose it, then he would be plunged into misery and ruin. Then a second person came and began pouring scorn on his weakness and superstition for believing that a mere ring could bring such good fortune. He was seduced into throwing the ring overboard. In that instant all hell broke loose (or so it seemed in his dream) and he was overcome by deep anguish and torment. Shortly after, the first person re-appeared, questioning Newton as to the whereabouts of the ring. He immediately plunged into the water, salvaging the lost ring, and so restoring calm. But instead of returning it to him, Newton was told: 'If you should be entrusted with this ring again, you would soon bring yourself into the same distress: you are not able to keep it; but I will preserve it for you, and, whenever it is needful, will produce it on your behalf.'
Only years later did he see the symbolism in the dream and realise the goodness of God in giving him the gift of life, which he forfeited under the seduction of satan, then to have it restored again in Christ. His life, he later came to see, was now hid in Christ in God.
(Read more at http://www.newcreation.org.au/books/pdf/285_JohnNewton.pdf )
Your calling to follow Christ is like that ring. When things get difficult you want to throw it all overboard. Peter promised that he would not deny the Lord like others but then shortly after he did just that. He couldn't do it in his own strength.
We all made promises to serve God, give Him our lives, live for Him but we cannot do it on our own.
The devil plays the fool with you when there are difficulties; he mocks your promises and makes you believe your life is worthless.
Your life is like gold to God. Life will be victorious and joyous if you walk with God and let Him carry your "ring" for you. We need to have our spiritual eyes opened to understand and to see things. Entrust your life and your calling to God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of commitment to God - The significance of the word 'pand' in Afrikaans - Understanding God's ability to keep our commitments
- II points: - John Newton's dream as a metaphor - The symbolism of the ring in the dream - The consequences of losing the ring
- III points: - The importance of recognizing our weaknesses - Peter's denial of Christ as an example - The futility of relying on our own strength
- IV points: - The devil's tactics during difficult times - Understanding our worth in God's eyes - The joy of walking with God
- V points: - The need for spiritual insight - Entrusting our lives to God - Living victoriously through faith
Key Quotes
“God is able to keep that which I've committed to Him right to the end.” — Erlo Stegen
“Your life is like gold to God.” — Erlo Stegen
“We need to have our spiritual eyes opened to understand and to see things.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Recognize that your faith is a precious commitment that requires God's help.
- In times of difficulty, resist the urge to abandon your faith and seek God's strength.
- Cultivate spiritual insight to understand your worth and the importance of your calling.