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  BEWARE OF THESE HERETICS
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: Ignatius warns against heretics and emphasizes the importance
of prayer for their repentance, while highlighting the reality of
Christ's suffering and the need to rely on His inner strength.

Topics: "False Teachers", "Christian Persecution"
Scripture References: Matthew 5:44, Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13, 1 John 4:1

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch warns the believers to be cautious of false teachers
who appear as men but are like beasts, advising them to not only avoid
but flee from such individuals. He emphasizes the importance of praying
for these deceivers in hopes of their repentance. Ignatius explains his
willingness to endure suffering and death for Christ, not just in
appearance but in reality, relying on Christ's strength within him.

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CONTENT
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I give you these instructions, beloved, assured that ye also hold the
same opinions [as I do]. But I guard you beforehand from these beasts in
the shape of men, from whom you must not only turn away, but even flee
from them.

Only you must pray for them, if by any means they may be brought to
repentance. For if the Lord were in the body in appearance only, and
were crucified in appearance only, then am I also bound in appearance
only. And why have I also surrendered myself to death, to fire, to the
sword, to the wild beasts? But, [in fact, ] I endure all things for
Christ, not in appearance only, but in reality, that I may suffer
together with Him, while He Himself inwardly strengthens me; for of
myself I have no such ability.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/beware-of-these-heretics/
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