Godly Submission
The sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and submission, following the example of illustrious men, and reflecting on God's nature to achieve peace.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of humility, godly submission, and learning from the examples of great men who have gone before us. He encourages the practice of peace and turning to the Father, the Creator of the universe, to receive His abundant gifts and blessings. Clement urges his listeners to contemplate God's long-suffering will, His lack of wrath towards His creation, and to seek understanding and soulful connection with Him.
Text
Thus the humility and godly submission of so great and illustrious men have rendered not only us, but also all the generations before us, better; even as many as have received His oracles in fear and truth. So, having so many great and glorious examples set before us, let us turn again to the practice of that peace which from the beginning was the mark set before us; and let us look steadfastly to the Father and Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and surpassingly great gifts and benefactions, of peace.
Let us contemplate Him with our understanding, and look with the eyes of our soul to His long-suffering will. Let us reflect how free from wrath He is towards all His creation.
Sermon Outline
- The Example of Humility and Submission
- The Call to Return to Peace
- Contemplating God's Nature
- Understanding God's long-suffering will
- Reflecting on God's freedom from wrath
Key Quotes
“Thus the humility and godly submission of so great and illustrious men have rendered not only us, but also all the generations before us, better;” — Clement of Rome
“Let us look steadfastly to the Father and Creator of the universe, and cleave to His mighty and surpassingly great gifts and benefactions, of peace.” — Clement of Rome
“Let us contemplate Him with our understanding, and look with the eyes of our soul to His long-suffering will.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should strive to follow in the footsteps of illustrious men by turning again to the practice of peace.
- Reflecting on God's nature can help us understand His will and receive His oracles in fear and truth.
- Contemplating God's long-suffering will can give us a deeper understanding of His freedom from wrath.