The Work God Does in Us
The sermon emphasizes the importance of starting the new year right by making right with God and man, bearing good fruit, and being humble and responsible.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of starting the new year with a commitment to God, reflecting on the legacy of Bishop Sylvester who chose to celebrate with a service instead of indulging in the sinful practices of his time. He draws parallels between the fig-tree in Luke 13 and our lives, urging listeners to examine whether they are bearing good fruit as children of God. Stegen highlights God's patience and desire for us to grow, even when we face painful pruning and challenges. He warns against complacency and the consequences of failing to respond to God's call, encouraging everyone to make the most of the new year and the opportunities it brings.
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On the last evening of the year we spoke about Sylvester. Rome was a heathen city and did all manner of evil and filth on the last day of the year. It was a day of liberty and everyone did whatever came to their minds. A bishop Sylvester decided to celebrate the New Year with a service and around God's word and that is why the service on the last day of the year is called Sylvester after this bishop. Psalm 139 v 23 says "Search me oh God ..." We need to start the new year having made right with God and man.
In Luke 13 v 6-9 we read about the fig-tree that was planted. The fig-tree and the fruit it bears refers to every person. God planted each person and if you are a child of God, you are an heir in that family. You inherit the divine blood from heaven and have more riches than any prince could wish for. It is the new year. Are you bearing good fruit? The owner rejoices when he finds good fruit on the trees he has planted.
Some trees only bear fruit in the third year but some small trees are full of fruit. Is God happy with the fruit you are bearing? This fig-tree, however, bore no fruit and it was said that it should be chopped down. The owner was heart-broken. He had much patience and wanted the tree to be left for another year. In your life, God expects the fruit of the Spirit but instead, it could be that He finds anger, resentment, lack of forgiveness and immorality. He then asks that tree is not chopped down but is given another chance.
The owner then digs around a tree. That could mean that he chops a root and it is painful or that he uses pruning shears. There are things that will hurt you in this process. He uses fertilizer which doesn't smell good. There will be difficulties but God is busy. You blame circumstances. You say you are poor but if you fold your hands, you will die a beggar. You cannot play with God. You will regret it if you are stiff-necked. After death comes the judgment and you might end up hearing the words "Depart from me, you who are wicked." The Lord Jesus gives everyone another year. If you reject it, you deserve a kick. Make the best of it.
Sermon Outline
- Starting the New Year Right
- The Fig-Tree Analogy
- God's Process of Correction
- The Importance of Humility
- Don't blame circumstances, take responsibility
- Make the best of the new year
Key Quotes
“You cannot play with God. You will regret it if you are stiff-necked.” — Erlo Stegen
“Make the best of it.” — Erlo Stegen
“If you reject it, you deserve a kick.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Take responsibility for your actions and seek to bear good fruit in the new year.
- Be humble and recognize God's patience and correction in your life.
- Make the best of the new year by seeking to grow in your relationship with God.