Beware of False Doctrines
Christ's suffering established the Church and provided immortality, but we must beware of false doctrines and use our reason to judge concerning God.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of the Church being anointed with the fragrance of Christ, symbolized by the ointment poured on His head, to draw believers closer to Him. He warns against being influenced by the deceptive teachings of the world and urges believers to use their God-given reason to discern and not fall into ignorance or neglect the gift of faith. Ignatius questions why humanity, with the ability to judge concerning God, would foolishly perish due to neglect and lack of wisdom.
Text
For this end did the Lord suffer the ointment to be poured upon His head, that His Church might breathe forth immortality. For saith [the Scripture], "Thy name is as ointment poured forth; therefore have the virgins loved Thee; they have drawn Thee; at the odour of Thine ointments we will run after Thee." Let no one be anointed with the bad odour of the doctrine of [the prince of] this world; let not the holy Church of God be led captive by his subtlety, as was the first woman.
Why do we not, as gifted with reason, act wisely? When we had received from Christ, and had grafted in us the faculty of judging concerning God, why do we fall headlong into ignorance? and why, through a careless neglect of acknowledging the gift which we have received, do we foolishly perish?
Sermon Outline
- The Purpose of Christ's Suffering
- The Danger of False Doctrines
- The Importance of Reason and Judgment
- Gifted with reason
- Neglecting the gift of Christ
Key Quotes
“Thy name is as ointment poured forth; therefore have the virgins loved Thee; they have drawn Thee; at the odour of Thine ointments we will run after Thee.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Let no one be anointed with the bad odour of the doctrine of [the prince of] this world;” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We must be careful not to fall into ignorance and foolishly perish by neglecting the gift of Christ.
- We should use our reason to judge concerning God and not be led by false doctrines.
- We must acknowledge and appreciate the gift of Christ to avoid spiritual captivity.