False Prophets and the False Apostles
The sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual authority, the contrast between true and false leaders, and the role of Christ in salvation.
Ignatius of Antioch expresses his deep love and concern for the believers, emphasizing the importance of prayer for spiritual growth and perfection. He highlights the unity in the Spirit among the prophets, apostles, and believers, all receiving the same Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. Ignatius underscores the singular God of both the Old and New Testaments, the one Mediator, and the Comforter who empowered the saints throughout history. He points to Christ as the source of salvation for all believers, uniting them in hope and love.
Text
My brethren, I am greatly enlarged in loving you; and rejoicing exceedingly [over you], I seek to secure your safety. Yet it is not I, but the Lord Jesus through me; for whose sake being bound, I fear the more, for I am not yet perfect. But your prayer to God shall make me perfect, that I may attain that to which I have been called, while I flee to the Gospel as to the flesh of Jesus Christ, and to the apostles as the presbytery of the Church.
I do also love the prophets as those who announced Christ, and as being partakers of the same Spirit with the apostles.
For as the false prophets and the false apostles drew [to themselves] one and the same wicked, deceitful, and seducing spirit; so also did the prophets and the apostles receive from God, through Jesus Christ, one and the same Holy Spirit, who is good, and sovereign, and true, and the Author of [saving] knowledge. For there is one God of the Old and New Testament, "one Mediator between God and men," for the creation of both intelligent and sensitive beings, and in order to exercise a beneficial and suitable providence [over them]. There is also one Comforter, who displayed His power in Moses, and the prophets, and apostles.
All the saints, therefore, were saved by Christ, hoping in Him, and waiting for Him; and they obtained through Him salvation, being holy ones, worthy of love and admiration, having testimony borne to them by Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of our common hope.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- The source of spiritual authority
- The contrast between true and false leaders
- The unity of God's Spirit
- The role of Christ in salvation
- The hope of salvation through Christ
- The saints saved through Christ
- The testimony of Jesus Christ in the Gospel
Key Quotes
“For there is one God of the Old and New Testament, 'one Mediator between God and men,' for the creation of both intelligent and sensitive beings, and in order to exercise a beneficial and suitable providence [over them].” — Ignatius of Antioch
“There is also one Comforter, who displayed His power in Moses, and the prophets, and apostles.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“All the saints, therefore, were saved by Christ, hoping in Him, and waiting for Him; and they obtained through Him salvation, being holy ones, worthy of love and admiration, having testimony borne to them by Jesus Christ, in the Gospel of our common hope.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should seek spiritual guidance from leaders who are guided by the Holy Spirit.
- We must be discerning in distinguishing between true and false leaders.
- Our hope of salvation lies in Christ, and we should wait for Him with hope and expectation.