The Reward of the Righteous
Clement of Rome calls the listeners to repentance and righteousness, promising salvation, life, and the imperishable fruit of the resurrection.
Clement of Rome urges the congregation to heed the words of truth written to save themselves and others. He emphasizes the importance of repentance with a sincere heart to attain salvation and life. Clement encourages the listeners to set an example for the youth by diligently pursuing godliness and righteousness. He warns against the dangers of committing wicked deeds unknowingly due to double-mindedness and unbelief. The preacher motivates the audience to endure temporary suffering in this world by obeying God's commandments, promising the reward of eternal life and joy in the resurrection.
Text
So then, brothers and sisters, after the God of truth I address to you an appeal that you may give heed to the words written, that you may save both yourselves and him who reads an address in your midst. For as a reward I ask of you repentance with the whole heart, while you bestow upon yourselves salvation and life. For by so doing we shall set a mark for all the young who wish to be diligent in godliness and the goodness of God. And let not us, in our folly, feel displeasure and indignation, whenever any one admonishes us and turns us from unrighteousness to righteousness.
For there are some wicked deeds which we commit, and know it not, because of thedouble-mindedness and unbelief present in our breasts, and our understanding is darkened by vain desires.
Let us, therefore, work righteousness, that we may be saved to the end. Blessed are they who obey these commandments, even if for a brief space they suffer in this world, and they will gather the imperishable fruit of the resurrection. Let not the godly man, therefore, grieve; if for the present he suffer affliction, blessed is the time that awaits him there; rising up to life again with the fathers he will rejoice for ever without a grief.
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Repentance
- The Reward of Righteousness
- Avoid Unrighteousness
- Be aware of wicked deeds
- Overcome double-mindedness and unbelief
Key Quotes
“Blessed are they who obey these commandments, even if for a brief space they suffer in this world, and they will gather the imperishable fruit of the resurrection.” — Clement of Rome
“Let us, therefore, work righteousness, that we may be saved to the end.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- Repent with a whole heart and turn away from unrighteousness.
- Obey God's commandments, even if it means suffering in this world.
- Work righteousness to be saved to the end.