Honour the Deacons
The sermon emphasizes the importance of honouring and reverencing church leaders, particularly the deacons, as representatives of Christ.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the reverence and respect that should be given to bishops, who represent Christ Jesus, and presbyters, who are like the assembly of the apostles of Christ. He highlights the importance of the elect Church, congregation of holy ones, and assembly of saints being led by these appointed leaders. Ignatius expresses gratitude for the love shown through the bishop and urges gentleness in his communication, striving for perfection in Christ. He humbly acknowledges his own imperfections and the need for growth in Christ-likeness.
Text
And do ye reverence them as Christ Jesus, of whose place they are the keepers, even as the bishop is the representative of the Father of all things, and the presbyters are the sanhedrim of God, and assembly of the apostles of Christ. Apart from these there is no elect Church, no congregation of holy ones, no assembly of saints. I am persuaded that ye also are of this opinion.
For I have received the manifestation of your love, and still have it with me, in your bishop, whose very appearance is highly instructive, and his meekness of itself a power; whom I imagine even the ungodly must reverence. Loving you as I do, I avoid writing in any severer strain to you, that I may not seem harsh to any, or wanting [in tenderness].
I am indeed bound for the sake of Christ, but I am not yet worthy of Christ. But when I am perfected, perhaps I shall then become so. I do not issue orders like an apostle.
Sermon Outline
- Honour the Deacons as Representatives of Christ
- The Importance of Reverence
- The Deacon's Role in the Church
- The Bishop as Representative of God
- Reverence for the Deacons
- Reverence for the Bishop and Presbyters
Key Quotes
“Apart from these there is no elect Church, no congregation of holy ones, no assembly of saints.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“I am persuaded that ye also are of this opinion.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“I do not issue orders like an apostle.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should reverence and honour our church leaders, as they are representatives of God and Christ.
- The role of the deacons is crucial in maintaining a holy and elect church.
- We should strive to emulate the meekness and instructive presence of our church leaders.