========================================================================
  CULTIVATE PEACE
  by Clement of Rome
========================================================================

Summary: Cultivating peace with godliness requires genuine devotion and
a heart that seeks God, not just going through the motions.

Topics: "Genuine Worship", "Godly Living"
Scripture References: Psalm 12:3-5, Isaiah 29:13

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of genuine godliness and
peace, warning against hypocritical behavior where outward expressions
do not align with the heart. He quotes Scriptures that reveal the danger
of insincere worship and the consequences of deceitful lips and boastful
tongues. Clement highlights God's promise to arise for the oppressed and
needy, ensuring their safety and confident care.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let us cleave, therefore, to those who cultivate peace with godliness,
and not to those who hypocritically profess to desire it. For [the
Scripture] says in a certain place, "This people honours Me with their
lips, but their heart is far from Me." And again: "They bless with their
mouth, but curse with their heart." And again it says, "They loved Him
with their mouth, and lied to Him with their tongue; but their heart was
not right with Him, neither were they faithful in His covenant."

"Let the deceitful lips become silent," [and "let the Lord destroy all
the lying lips,] and the boastful tongue of those who have said, Let us
magnify our tongue; our lips are our own; who is lord over us?

For the oppression of the poor, and for the sighing of the needy, will I
now arise, says the Lord: I will place him in safety; I will deal
confidently with him."

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/clement-of-rome/cultivate-peace/
========================================================================