God Sees All Things
We should fear God and forsake wicked works because He sees and knows all things, and there is no place to hide from His presence.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the omnipresence and omniscience of God, urging his listeners to fear Him and turn away from wicked deeds driven by evil desires. He highlights the futility of trying to flee from God, as He is everywhere and knows all things, making escape impossible. Clement stresses the importance of seeking God's mercy to avoid future judgments and the need to acknowledge God's presence in every aspect of our lives.
Text
Since then all things are seen and heard [by God], let us fear Him, and forsake those wicked works which proceed from evil desires; so that, through His mercy, we may be protected from the judgments to come. For whither can any of us flee from His mighty hand?
Or what world will receive any of those who run away from Him? For the Scripture says in a certain place, "Whither shall I go, and where shall I be hid from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I go away even to the uttermost parts of the earth, there is Your right hand; if I make my bed in the abyss, there is Your Spirit."
Whither, then, shall any one go, or where shall he escape from Him who comprehends all things?
Sermon Outline
- Fear God
- Recognize God's omniscience
- Acknowledge God's presence in all things
Key Quotes
“For whither can any of us flee from His mighty hand?” — Clement of Rome
“If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I go away even to the uttermost parts of the earth, there is Your right hand; if I make my bed in the abyss, there is Your Spirit.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should turn away from sinful behaviors and desires to avoid God's judgments.
- We can be protected from God's judgments through His mercy by turning away from wicked works.
- There is no place to hide from God's presence, and He will always find us.