Serve the Lord
The sermon emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord with all our hearts and remaining faithful to the end, as seen in the example of Arno and Franzi Stegen.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the commitment to serve the Lord as a family, reflecting on Arno's journey and the importance of faithfulness in ministry. He highlights the significance of Arno and Franzi's wedding text, 'As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,' and challenges the congregation to consider their own dedication to God amidst trials. Stegen encourages believers to remain steadfast in their service to Jesus, rejecting idols and distractions that may lead them away from their calling.
Text
Jos 24:15b, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Uncle Erlo related a little about Arno's life because it was his silver wedding anniversary and to give thanks to the Lord Jesus for Arno's life. He was fourteen years old when he came to the mission. Uncle Erlo was not yet married and so Arno was like Samuel in the temple. He wanted to leave school in grade 8 to be in full mission work but being advised to continue with his schooling, he continued till matric. When the magistrate threatened to close the supermarket because of the services Uncle Erlo was holding, they said that it didn't matter if the business went down as long as the gospel was preached.
Franzi comes from Switzerland and has been a helpmeet to her husband. Great is the role a woman can play.
Arno and Franzi's wedding text was the text above, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." It takes a real man to say something like this. It refers to family and servants in the household too - i.e. a man's whole household.
Where do you stand? Many have left the work. Will you also leave or be faithful to the end together with your household?
We have to serve the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and not idols.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Serving the Lord
- The Role of a Servant Leader
- The Call to Faithfulness
- Will you be faithful to the end with your household?
- Many have left the work, but we must remain committed
Key Quotes
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” — Erlo Stegen
“It takes a real man to say something like this.” — Erlo Stegen
“We have to serve the Lord Jesus with all our hearts and not idols.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- We must commit to serving the Lord with all our hearts and not idols.
- A faithful servant leader takes responsibility for their household, including family and servants.
- Remaining committed to serving the Lord is essential, as many have left the work, but we must remain faithful.