His Beloved Son Jesus Christ Our Lord
The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in the church, following the example of Christ, and being joined together with God in an unblameable unity.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony within the church, urging believers to align themselves with the will of the bishop appointed by God. He compares the relationship between the presbytery and the bishop to the strings of a harp, highlighting the need for perfect fit and alignment. By coming together in love and concord under the leadership of Jesus Christ, believers are encouraged to be united as one choir, reflecting the unity between God the Father and Jesus Christ. Ignatius stresses the significance of following Christ's example and being blamelessly united with God.
Text
Wherefore it is fitting that ye also should run together in accordance with the will of the bishop who by God's appointment rules over you. Which thing ye indeed of yourselves do, being instructed by the Spirit. For your justly-renowned presbytery, being worthy of God, is fitted as exactly to the bishop as the strings are to the harp.
Thus, being joined together in concord and harmonious love, of which Jesus Christ is the Captain and Guardian, do ye, man by man, become but one choir; so that, agreeing together in concord, and obtaining a perfect unity with God, ye may indeed be one in harmonious feeling with God the Father, and His beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
For, says He, "Grant unto them, Holy Father, that as I and Thou are one, they also may be one in us." It is therefore profitable that you, being joined together with God in an unblameable unity, should be the followers of the example of Christ, of whom also ye are members.
Sermon Outline
- Unity in the Church
- The Importance of Harmony
- The Goal of Unity
- Oneness with God
- Following the Example of Christ
- The Example of Christ
Key Quotes
“Grant unto them, Holy Father, that as I and Thou are one, they also may be one in us.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should strive to be joined together in concord and harmonious love, following the example of Christ.
- We should be followers of Christ by being members of His body and being joined together with God in an unblameable unity.
- We should aim to be one in harmonious feeling with God the Father and His beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord.