By Death I Shall Attain True Life
Ignatius emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal life through Jesus Christ, rather than pursuing worldly wealth and power.
Ignatius of Antioch passionately preaches about the worthlessness of worldly kingdoms compared to the value of sacrificing for Jesus Christ, emphasizing the eternal significance of gaining the soul over worldly gain. He expresses his longing for Jesus Christ, the Son of the true God, who died and rose again, urging believers not to hinder others from attaining true life in Christ. Ignatius stresses the importance of belonging to God and imitating the passion of Christ, seeking understanding and sympathy from those who have Christ within them.
Text
All the ends of the world, and all the kingdoms of this earth, shall profit me nothing. It is better for me to die for the sake of Jesus Christ, than to reign over all the ends of the earth. "For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, but lose his own soul? "I long after the Lord, the Son of the true God and Father, even Jesus Christ. Him I seek, who died for us and rose again.
Pardon me, brethren: do not hinder me in attaining to life; for Jesus is the life of believers. Do not wish to keep me in a state of death, for life without Christ is death. While I desire to belong to God, do not ye give me over to the world. Suffer me to obtain pure light: when I have gone thither, I shall indeed be a man of God. Permit me to be an imitator of the passion of Christ, my God.
If any one has Him within himself, let him consider what I desire, and let him have sympathy with me, as knowing how I am straitened.
Sermon Outline
- The Value of Eternal Life
- The Cost of Following Christ
- The Desire for Spiritual Life
- The Call to Sympathy and Support
- Ignatius asks for understanding and support from his brethren
- He desires to be an example of Christ's love and sacrifice
Key Quotes
“For what is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, but lose his own soul?” — Ignatius of Antioch
“I long after the Lord, the Son of the true God and Father, even Jesus Christ.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Pardon me, brethren: do not hinder me in attaining to life; for Jesus is the life of believers.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else, including material wealth and power.
- Dying to self and imitating Christ's passion is necessary to attain true life.
- We should seek to understand and support one another in our spiritual journeys.