Purity of Heart
The sermon emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God with a pure and holy spirit, and recognizing God's sovereignty over nations and His chosen people.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God with holiness and purity, lifting up hands in love and gratitude to our gracious Father who has blessed us. He references the division of nations by the Most High and the special place of Jacob and Israel as chosen by God. Clement also highlights the selection of a holy nation by the Lord, symbolizing the sanctification of a people for His purpose.
Text
Let us then draw near to Him with holiness of spirit, lifting up pure and undefiled hands to Him, loving our gracious and merciful Father, who has made us partakers in the blessings of His elect. For thus it is written, "When the Most High divided the nations, when He scattered the sons of Adam, He fixed the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God.
His people Jacob became the portion of the Lord, and Israel the lot of His inheritance." And in another place [the Scripture] says, "Behold, the Lord takes to Himself a nation out of the midst of the nations, as a man takes the first-fruits of his threshing-floor; and from that nation shall come forth the Most Holy.
Sermon Outline
- Drawing Near to God
- The Blessings of God's Elect
- God's Sovereignty Over Nations
- Divided the nations according to the number of angels
- Fixed the bounds of the nations
Key Quotes
“When the Most High divided the nations, when He scattered the sons of Adam, He fixed the bounds of the nations according to the number of the angels of God.” — Clement of Rome
“Behold, the Lord takes to Himself a nation out of the midst of the nations, as a man takes the first-fruits of his threshing-floor;” — Clement of Rome
“And from that nation shall come forth the Most Holy.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should strive to live a life of purity and holiness, drawing near to God with reverence and love.
- We should recognize and acknowledge God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples.
- We should be grateful for being partakers in God's blessings and inheritance.