Circumspectness of His Intercourse With the Other Sex
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of maintaining a chaste and holy conduct in Christ, avoiding worldly desires and focusing on spiritual well-being.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of conducting oneself in a Christ-like manner, especially in interactions with maidens and women. He instructs to maintain purity and respect in all relationships, avoiding any compromising situations. Additionally, Clement highlights the significance of seeking rest and fellowship with fellow believers, encouraging mutual support, exhortation, and the pursuit of good works in the fear of God.
Text
I would, moreover, have you know, my brethren, of what sort is our conduct in Christ, as well as that of all our brethren, in the variousplaces in which we are. And if so be that you approve it, do ye also conduct yourselves in like manner in the Lord.
Now we, if God help us, conduct ourselves thus: with maidens we do not dwell, nor have we anything in common with them; with maidens we do not eat, nor drink; and, where a maiden sleeps, we do not sleep; neither do women wash our feet, nor anoint us; and on no account do we sleep where a maiden sleeps who is unmarried or has taken the vow: even though she be in some other place if she be alone, we do not pass the night there.
Moreover, if it chance that the time for rest overtake us in a place, whether in the country, or in a village, or in a town, or in a hamlet, or wheresoever we happen to be, and there are found brethren in that place, we turn in to one who is a brother, and call together there all the brethren, and speak to them words of encouragement and exhortation.
And those among us who are gifted in speaking will speak such words as are earnest, and serious, and chaste, in the fear of God, and exhort them to please God in everything, and abound and go forward in good works, and be free from anxious care in everything, as is fit and right for the people of God.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Conduct in Christ - The Importance of Separation
- II points: - Separation from Unmarried Maidens - No Physical Contact or Intimacy
- III points: - Separation from Women's Care - No Acceptance of Physical Comfort
- IV points: - Resting with Brethren - Encouragement and Exhortation
Key Quotes
“With maidens we do not dwell, nor have we anything in common with them;” — Clement of Rome
“We do not sleep where a maiden sleeps who is unmarried or has taken the vow:” — Clement of Rome
“We speak words of encouragement and exhortation, in the fear of God,” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should strive to maintain a separation from worldly desires and focus on our spiritual well-being.
- We should prioritize encouraging and exhorting one another in our Christian walk.
- We should live in the fear of God, avoiding any appearance of evil and seeking to please Him in everything.