Practice of Good Works
We are called to hasten to perform every good work with all energy and readiness of mind, just as God rejoices in His own works.
Clement of Rome urges believers not to grow lazy in doing good and showing love, emphasizing the importance of actively engaging in good works. He highlights how God Himself delights in His creations, from the heavens to the earth, animals, and ultimately, mankind made in His image. By following God's example of creating and rejoicing in His works, believers are encouraged to wholeheartedly fulfill His will and pursue righteousness with all their might.
Text
What shall we do, then, brethren? Shall we become slothful in well-doing, and cease from the practice of love? God forbid that any such course should be followed by us! But rather let us hasten with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work. For the Creator and Lord of all Himself rejoices in His works. For by His infinitely great power He established the heavens, and by His incomprehensible wisdom He adorned them. He also divided the earth from the water which surrounds it, and fixed it upon the immoveable foundation of His own will.
The animals also which are upon it He commanded by His own word into existence. So likewise, when He had formed the sea, and the living creatures which are in it, He enclosed them [within their proper bounds] by His own power. Above all, with His holy and undefiled hands He formed man, the most excellent [of His creatures], and truly great through the understanding given him -- the express likeness of His own image. For thus says God: "Let us make man in Our image, and after Our likeness.
So God made man; male and female He created them." Having thus finished all these things, He approved them, and blessed them, and said, "Increase and multiply." We see, then, how all righteous men have been adorned with good works, and how the Lord Himself, adorning Himself with His works, rejoiced. Having therefore such an example, let us without delay accede to His will, and let us work the work of righteousness with our whole strength.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Good Works
- Our Call to Good Works
- The Example of God's Creation
- The Formation of Man
- The Blessing of God's Creation
- The Example of Righteous Men
Key Quotes
“But rather let us hasten with all energy and readiness of mind to perform every good work.” — Clement of Rome
“For the Creator and Lord of all Himself rejoices in His works.” — Clement of Rome
“So God made man; male and female He created them.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should hasten to perform every good work with all energy and readiness of mind.
- We can apply the example of righteous men by working the work of righteousness with our whole strength.
- We should accede to God's will and work the work of righteousness with our whole strength.