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  REMARKS ON SELF-DENIAL
  by Clement of Rome
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Summary: Clement of Rome emphasizes the significance of self-denial in
achieving a divine life and the rewards that await in the kingdom of
heaven.

Topics: "Self Denial", "Spiritual Purity"
Scripture References: Matthew 19:12, 1 Corinthians 7:34, Hebrews 11:16, 1 Peter 1:4

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DESCRIPTION
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Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of living a life dedicated to
God, detached from worldly desires, and focused on serving God through
Jesus Christ for the kingdom of heaven. He highlights the purity and
holiness required, akin to the holy angels, and the special place
reserved in God's house for those who choose a life of celibacy and
virginity. Clement encourages believers to prioritize the heavenly hope
promised by God over earthly pursuits, acknowledging the superior reward
awaiting those who faithfully serve God.

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CONTENT
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For he who covets for himself these things so great and excellent,
withdraws and severs himself on this account from all the world, that he
may go and live a life divine and heavenly, like the holy angels, in
work pure and holy, and in the holiness of the Spirit of God, and that
he may serve God Almighty through Jesus Christ for the sake of the
kingdom of heaven. On this account he severs himself from all the
appetites of the body.

And not only does he excuse himself from this command, Be fruitful, and
multiply, but he longs for the hope promised and prepared and laid up in
heaven by God, who has declared with His mouth, and He does not lie,
that it is better than sons and daughters, and that He will give to
virgins a notable place in the house of God, which is something better
than sons and daughters, and better than the place of those who have
passed a wedded life in sanctity, and whose bed has not been defiled.

For God will give to virgins the kingdom of heaven, as to the holy
angels, by reason of this great and noble profession.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/clement-of-rome/remarks-on-self-denial/
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