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Difference between Anabaptists and Evangelicals Mysteries of the Kingdom of God Anabaptist Sermons by Eli Hofer The Writings of Ulrich Stadler |
Concerning the Correct Use of Grace and Prudence Dear brothers and sisters, we meet again in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The reason for our meeting is to hear the Word of God and to learn from it His divine will so that we may receive genuine knowledge and clear judgment; so that in these foggy, cloudy days we may not be led astray from the right way. We do not always recognize this at once and before we know it we have looked away and turned aside from the right way, as has happened to many. If someone knows the roads leading to a particular village or town, and has traveled there several times, if he does not constantly pay attention but lets his thoughts wander, or joins in conversation with others who are also on the road, it could easily happen that he misses the proper way and goes astray. He could have avoided taking the wrong turn if only he had been careful and alert. This same thing can easily happen to us if we do not carefully watch out for and travel on the path of truth. That is why we should always be careful and on our guard, for the Scriptures say: (1 Cor. 10:12) “Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” If someone has to follow a narrow path, but does not constantly watch his feet and his footsteps, how can he avoid falling? It is not for nothing that Christ says: (Mt. 7:13-14) “Enter by the narrow gate... because narrow is the gate and hard is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it.” When the way of the faithful and the chosen is so extremely difficult, narrow, and poor, so that even those who travel prudently and carefully have enough to cope with to keep from missing the road or crashing down, how will it be then with the rough, negligent, clumsy fellows who repeatedly find the roadway too narrow? Oh, how dangerous it is for such people to travel such a road! Esdras says: (2 Esdras l:6-9) “There is a city built and set on a plain, and it is full of all good things; but the entrance to it is narrow and set in a precipitous place, with fire on the right hand and deep water on the left. There is only one path to the city and it is between the fire and the water. It is only wide enough for one man at a time. If now that city is given to a man for an inheritance, how will the heir receive his inheritance except by traveling this dangerous path?” Yes, such a man must certainly lay aside everything that might be a hindrance. And if someone comes toward him on the path then he would have to lie down and let himself be walked over, and then, after that, continue on his way, taking care that he does not fall down on either the right or the left, because this could cost him his life. Much more, however, should we be careful in traveling on the heavenly highway if we want to win the heavenly Jerusalem and reach it with God’s help, through grace. This is why Paul, not in vain, admonishes the faithful at Ephesus: (Eph.5:15-16) “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time because the days are evil.” What does it mean to walk carefully unless it means that in everything, in words and deeds, we pay attention to and consider what the end result of something will be and try in good time to prevent evil? David and Jonathan acted with care when they made enquiries as to what Saul had in mind against David, and David was warned by Jonathan so that he could escape in case of need. Joseph also acted carefully during the years of plenty. Often the devout have accomplished many good things through their carefulness and also many have found peace and quiet in their own souls. An example of this can be seen in the clever Abigail, who prevented a great misfortune through her carefulness and appeased David when he was angry. Oh, if only we were all sufficiently wise and careful and considered what lies ahead of us. Oh, if only we would consider what we owe to God and to our conscience. Then many people would be protected from danger and damage to their souls. Bearing this wisdom in mind, we must consider what we should or shouldn’t do. We should act according to what is right and good in God’s sight, being convinced of approval by God’s Spirit. So we should be thoughtful concerning our salvation and make good use of this wonderful period of grace and not think: “Indeed, I will wait a bit before I acknowledge my sins and repent.” Such a person is not acting prudently. Although death is certain, the hour of its coming is not. At any time death may take us by surprise. This is why Sirach advises and teaches us the right foresight when he says: (Sir. 18:20-27) “Before you speak, learn and before you
fall ill, take care of your health. Before Judgement comes, examine yourself;
and at the time of scrutiny you will find forgiveness. Before falling ill,
humble yourself; and when you have sinned, repent. Whoever does this and follows God’s Spirit will be thankful for his carefulness. All those who travel carefully will often be protected from great danger, sorrow, and misfortune. This is true in spiritual matters also. We know well that everywhere we go, Satan sneaks after us; we have to take care that he does not rob us. A wise, intelligent person who is careful always protects himself from sin and does not yield to it. If through human weakness, something happens, he should hold out and not persist in this but try to put it aside through grace and follow the Spirit of God. For it teaches us: (Sir. 21:1-3) "My child, have you sinned? Do so no more and pray that your former sins may be forgiven. Flee from sin as from a snake, for if you come too near to it, it will bite you. Its teeth are like a lion’s teeth and can destroy men.” This is why Scripture says: (Prov. 14:16) “A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool throws off restraint and is careless.” Solomon says: (Prov. 2:11-17) “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord Gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright; he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless.” It is certainly true that the Lord does all of this. Whoever wants to devote himself to a Christian life that is pleasing to God must start first and foremost to fear God in all that he does and leaves undone. This is the first and best step towards being a Christian. For he who does not fear God will not do that which He desires. But he who fears Him and wants to love Him from the bottom of his heart, will stand in constant fear of God, even if he sins here or there, in word or deed, and makes himself unworthy before him. Because of this he is all the more cautious and careful, being ready at any time to come joyously before His holy face and to enjoy His inexpressible grace and compassion. A human child who fears and obeys his earthly father, out of the love does not want to leave even the smallest thing undone. In the same way all Christians as children of God are inclined toward their heavenly Father. It will be well with them! When the time of reward comes no one will regret that he had striven toward faithfulness, truth, and uprightness. Ezra also affirms this, through God’s Spirit: (2 Esdras 14:34) “If you will rule over your minds and discipline your hearts, you shall be kept alive, and after death you shall obtain mercy.” In order to gain and rejoice in the mercy of God the Lord, we must hold on to this very important, basic fact. Those who now, in the time of grace, give their minds to walking in such a way that pleases God will find at the great day of reckoning the help needed. Such people act wisely and carefully and use their time rightly and well. If anyone among us is not able to understand such advice and teaching, let him ask the birds of the air. They will teach him. The stork, the swallow, crane, and turtledove accommodate themselves to the seasons so that when winter draws near they can survive the cold, raw weather. With foresight, the bees and ants observe the seasons. They gather their food during the summer, so that they need not die of hunger in the cold winter. How much more should we who are not only created like the creatures who fly and crawl and the four-footed animals, but are even created in the image of God know what we should or should not do. God has given us the gift of his Holy Spirit and imparted to us understanding and knowledge. How much more then, than these creatures, must we confess our Savor through praise and thanksgiving. For the sake of our salvation we should not be foolish but pay attention to both our acts and omissions. We should spend our life to the end in the fear of God. Then we will really understand God’s will and live according to it, not just knowing what is good or bad. For the Scripture says: (Sir. 2:15) “Those who fear the Lord do not disobey his words and those who love him keep his ways. Those who fear the Lord do what pleases Him and those who love Him keep the Law.” But he who sets his purpose and hope on material things is unwise and understands nothing. To put it bluntly, when someone has a good reputation but no understanding, he perishes like a beast. God the Lord, through the prophet Isaiah, complains bitterly about such ignorant people when he says: (Is. 11:3-6) “The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s barn but Israel does not know, my people do not understand. Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, sons who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be smitten, that you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds; they are not pressed out, or bound up, or softened with oil.” Amen. Psalm 133: "For there [in brotherly community] the Lord has commanded the blessing, life for evermore." Hutterite Sermon Prefaces: #1-1:
Concerning the Great Profit and Blessing of the Word of
God (This page was last updated on 06/20/2008.) |