Commendation and Exhortation
Ignatius encourages the recipient to press forward in their faith, maintain unity, and support others in love, while also emphasizing the importance of prayer and spiritual growth.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and unity, encouraging believers to press forward in their spiritual journey and exhort others to be saved. He urges them to maintain their position with care, support one another in love, and give themselves to prayer without ceasing. Ignatius highlights the need for additional understanding, watchfulness, and bearing with the weaknesses of others, following the example of Christ who bore our infirmities. He reminds them that despite the challenges, the rewards of faith are great.
Text
Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God as upon an immoveable rock, I loudly glorify [His name] that I have been thought worthy [to behold] thy blameless face, which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all, even as the Lord does with thee. Support all in love, as also thou doest. Give thyself to prayer without ceasing. Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast. Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit. Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee.
Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life]: where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.
Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God as upon an immoveable rock, I loudly glorify [His name] that I have been thought worthy to behold thy blameless face, which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit. Have a regard to preserve unity, than which nothing is better. Bear with all even as the Lord does with thee. Support all in love, as also thou doest. Give thyself to prayer without ceasing. Implore additional understanding to what thou already hast.
Be watchful, possessing a sleepless spirit. Speak to every man separately, as God enables thee. Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life], even as does the Lord of all. For says [the Scripture], "He Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction and Commendation
- Exhortation to Press Forward
- Maintaining Position and Unity
- Prayer and Spiritual Growth
- Encourages the recipient to give themselves to prayer
- Urges the recipient to seek additional understanding
- Emphasizes the importance of a watchful spirit
Key Quotes
“I loudly glorify [His name] that I have been thought worthy [to behold] thy blameless face, which may I ever enjoy in God!” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Bear the infirmities of all, as being a perfect athlete [in the Christian life]: where the labour is great, the gain is all the more.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“He Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Press forward in your faith, even when the path ahead seems uncertain.
- Make a conscious effort to support and encourage others in their spiritual journeys.
- Prioritize prayer and spiritual growth in your daily life, seeking to deepen your understanding of God's will.