The Hope of Resurrection: God Is Faithful to His Promises
The sermon emphasizes the hope of resurrection, the faithfulness of God, and the call to holiness in light of God's power and presence.
Clement of Rome preaches about the assurance of the resurrection and the faithfulness of God's promises. He uses the analogy of day and night, sleep and waking, and the process of sowing and harvesting to illustrate the concept of resurrection and renewal. Clement emphasizes the omnipotence of God, highlighting that nothing is impossible for Him and that all things are under His control and knowledge. He urges believers to approach God with holiness, pure hearts, and reverence, knowing that there is no escape from His presence but also finding comfort in His mercy and protection.
Text
Consider, beloved, how the Lord keeps reminding us of the resurrection that is to come, of which he has made the Lord Jesus Christ the first fruits by raising him from the dead. Let us look, beloved, at the resurrection that occurs at its appointed time. Day and night show us a resurrection; the night lies in sleep, day rises again; the day departs, night takes its place. Let us think about the harvest; how does the sowing take place, and in what manner? The sower goes out and casts each seed onto the ground. Dry and bare, they fall into the earth and decay. Then the greatness of the Lord's providence raises them up again from decay, and out of one many are produced and yield fruit.
In this hope, then, let our hearts be bound fast to him who is faithful in his promises and just in his judgements. He forbade us to tell lies; still less will he himself tell a lie. Nothing is impossible for God except to tell a lie. Then let our faith in him be awakened; let us reflect that everything is close to him.
By the word of his power he established all things, and by his word he can reduce them to ruin. Who shall say to him: What have you done? Who shall stand up against the power of his might? He will accomplish everything when he wills and as he wills, and nothing that he has decreed shall pass away. All things stand in his presence, and nothing lies hidden from his counsel, if the heavens tell forth the glory of God, the firmament reveals the work of his hands, day speaks to day, and night shares knowledge with night; there are no words, no speeches, and their voices are not heard.
Since all things lie open to his eyes and ears, let us hold him in awe and rid ourselves of impure desires to do works of evil, so that we may be protected by his mercy from the judgement that is to come. Which of us can escape his mighty hand? What world will give asylum to one who deserts him? Where will I go, where will I hide from your face? If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go to the limits of the earth, your right hand is there; if I lie down in the deep, your spirit is there. Where, then, can one go, where can one escape to, from the presence of him whose hands embrace the universe?
Let us then approach him in holiness of soul, raising up to him hands pure and undefiled, out of love for our good and merciful Father who made us a chosen portion for himself.
Sermon Outline
- The Resurrection of Christ
- The Providence of God
- The Faithfulness of God
- The Power of God
- The Call to Holiness
- Approaching God with a pure heart
- Raising hands in love and reverence for God
Key Quotes
“Nothing is impossible for God except to tell a lie.” — Clement of Rome
“He will accomplish everything when he wills and as he wills, and nothing that he has decreed shall pass away.” — Clement of Rome
“Where, then, can one go, where can one escape to, from the presence of him whose hands embrace the universe?” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should approach God with a pure heart, raising our hands in love and reverence for him.
- We should hold God in awe and rid ourselves of impure desires to do works of evil.
- We should trust in God's promise-keeping nature and his ability to accomplish everything when he wills and as he wills.