Be on Your Guard, Therefore, Against Such Persons
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of being on guard against conceit and arrogance, and of obeying church leaders, particularly the bishop, in order to live a life pleasing to God.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of being on guard against those who may lead us astray, urging believers to live lives without offense to others and to avoid arrogance and haughtiness. He highlights the need for humility and reverence towards God, encouraging believers to fear Him and tremble at His words. Ignatius also stresses the significance of respecting and obeying bishops, presbyters, and deacons, as they are appointed by Christ and play vital roles in the church.
Text
Be on your guard, [therefore, against such persons, that ye admit not of a snare for your own souls. And act so that your life shall be without offence to all men, lest ye become as "a snare upon a watch-tower, and as a net which is spread out." For" he that does not heal himself in his own works, is the brother of him that destroys himself." If, therefore, ye also put away conceit, arrogance, disdain, and haughtiness, it will be your privilege to be inseparably united to God, for "He is nigh unto those that fear Him." And says He, "Upon whom will I look, but upon him that is humble and quiet, and that trembles at my words? " And do ye also reverence your bishop as Christ Himself, according as the blessed apostles have enjoined you.
He that is within the altar is pure, wherefore also he is obedient to the bishop and presbyters: but he that is without is one that does anything apart from the bishop, the presbyters, and the deacons. Such a person is defiled in his conscience, and is worse than an infidel.
For what is the bishop but one who beyond all others possesses all power and authority, so far as it is possible for a man to possess it, who according to his ability has been made an imitator of the Christ Of God? And what is the presbytery but a sacred assembly, the counsellors and assessors of the bishop?
And what are the deacons but imitators of the angelic powers, fulfilling a pure and blameless ministry unto him, as the holy Stephen did to the blessed James, Timothy and Linus to Paul, Anencletus and Clement to Peter? He, therefore, that will not yield obedience to such, must needs be one utterly without God, an impious man who despises Christ, and depreciates His appointments.
Sermon Outline
- Be on Guard Against Such Persons
- The Role of the Bishop and Church Leaders
- Obedience to Church Leaders
- Conceit and Arrogance
- The Importance of Humility
- The Bishop's Authority
- The Presbytery and Deacons
- Consequences of Disobedience
Key Quotes
“He that does not heal himself in his own works, is the brother of him that destroys himself.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Upon whom will I look, but upon him that is humble and quiet, and that trembles at my words?” — Ignatius of Antioch
“He that is within the altar is pure, wherefore also he is obedient to the bishop and presbyters” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should strive to be humble and obedient to church leaders, particularly the bishop, in order to live a life pleasing to God.
- Conceit and arrogance can lead us away from God and into sin, and we should be on guard against these traits in ourselves and others.
- Obedience to church leaders is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being.