Exhortation to Humility
Clement of Rome exhorts the brethren to be of humble mind, laying aside all haughtiness and pride, and to act according to God's word.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and righteousness in our actions, urging believers to set aside pride, anger, and foolishness. He reminds us to find glory in diligently seeking the Lord and practicing justice and righteousness, rather than in worldly wisdom, might, or riches. Clement also highlights Jesus' teachings on mercy, forgiveness, and kindness, emphasizing that our actions towards others will be reflected back to us.
Text
Let us therefore, brethren, be of humble mind, laying aside all haughtiness, and pride, and foolishness, and angry feelings; and let us act according to that which is written (for the Holy Spirit says, "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, neither let the rich man Story in his riches; but let him that glories glory in the Lord, in diligently seeking Him, and doing judgment and righteousness" ), being especially mindful of the words of the Lord Jesus which He spoke, teaching us meekness and long-suffering.
For thus He spoke: "Be merciful, that you may obtain mercy; forgive, that it may be forgiven to you; as you do, so shall it be done to you; as you judge, so shall you be judged; as you are kind, so shall kindness be shown to you; with what measure you measure, with the same it shall be measured to you."
By this precept and by these rules let us establish ourselves, that we walk with all humility in obedience to His holy words. For the holy word says, "On whom shall I look, but on him that is meek and peaceable, and who trembles at My words?"
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Humility
- The Dangers of Pride
- The Benefits of Humility
- Walking in Humility
- Establishing ourselves in God's word
- Obedience to God's holy words
Key Quotes
“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, neither let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glories glory in the Lord, in diligently seeking Him, and doing judgment and righteousness.” — Clement of Rome
“Be merciful, that you may obtain mercy; forgive, that it may be forgiven to you; as you do, so shall it be done to you; as you judge, so shall you be judged; as you are kind, so shall kindness be shown to you; with what measure you measure, with the same it shall be measured to you.” — Clement of Rome
“On whom shall I look, but on him that is meek and peaceable, and who trembles at My words?” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should lay aside all haughtiness and pride, and act according to God's word.
- We should be mindful of God's words and obey them in order to walk in humility.
- We should seek to be merciful, forgiving, and kind, as these qualities will be shown to us by God.