Examples of Love
The sermon highlights examples of love and selflessness from the heathen world, encouraging listeners to emulate these qualities in their own lives.
Clement of Rome highlights the sacrificial acts of kings, princes, and individuals from different backgrounds who willingly gave up their lives, freedom, or safety for the benefit of others. He also mentions the courageous deeds of women like Judith and Esther, who risked their lives to save their people, showcasing the strength and grace they received from God to perform such heroic acts of faith and selflessness.
Text
To bring forward some examples from among the heathen: Many kings and princes, in times of pestilence, when they had been instructed by an oracle, have given themselves up to death, in order that by their own blood they might deliver their fellow-citizens [from destruction]. Many have gone forth from their own cities, that so sedition might be brought to an end within them. We know many among ourselves who have given themselves up to bonds, in order that they might ransom others. Many, too, have surrendered themselves to slavery, that with the price which they received for themselves, they might provide food for others.
Many women also, being strengthened by the grace of God, have performed numerous manly exploits.
The blessed Judith, when her city was besieged, asked of the elders permission to go forth into the camp of the strangers; and, exposing herself to danger, she went out for the love which she bare to her country and people then besieged; and the Lord delivered Holofernes into the hands of a woman. Esther also, being perfect in faith, exposed herself to no less danger, in order to deliver the twelve tribes of Israel from impending destruction. For with fasting and humiliation she entreated the everlasting God, who sees all things; and He, perceiving the humility of her spirit, delivered the people for whose sake she had encountered peril.
Sermon Outline
- Examples of Love Among the Heathen
- Women Performing Manly Exploits
- Judith's Courage in the Enemy's Camp
- Esther's Faith in Delivering the Israelites
- Surrendering to Slavery to Provide for Others
Key Quotes
“Many kings and princes, in times of pestilence, when they had been instructed by an oracle, have given themselves up to death, in order that by their own blood they might deliver their fellow-citizens [from destruction].” — Clement of Rome
“The blessed Judith, when her city was besieged, asked of the elders permission to go forth into the camp of the strangers; and, exposing herself to danger, she went out for the love which she bare to her country and people then besieged;” — Clement of Rome
“For with fasting and humiliation she entreated the everlasting God, who sees all things; and He, perceiving the humility of her spirit, delivered the people for whose sake she had encountered peril.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others, just like the examples given in the sermon.
- Courage and faith are essential qualities for overcoming challenges and achieving great things.
- Humility and selflessness are key characteristics of a life lived for the benefit of others.