I Rejoice in Your Messengers
Ignatius rejoices in the messengers of the church and emphasizes the importance of the bishop and presbyters being subject to the law of Jesus Christ.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity and submission within the church hierarchy, highlighting the roles of bishops, presbyters, and deacons in maintaining order and spiritual leadership. He expresses gratitude for the leaders in the church and stresses the need for believers to respect and obey those appointed in authority by God, ultimately following the law of Jesus Christ.
Text
Since, then, I have had the privilege of seeing you, through Damas your most worthy bishop, and through your worthy presbyters Bassus and Apollonius, and through my fellow-servant the deacon Sotio, whose friendship may I ever enjoy, inasmuch as he, by the grace of God, is subject to the bishop and presbytery, in the law of Jesus Christ, [I now write to you].
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- The Role of the Bishop and Presbyters
- Conclusion
- Writing to the Church
- Law of Jesus Christ
Key Quotes
“I now write to you.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“inasmuch as he, by the grace of God, is subject to the bishop and presbytery, in the law of Jesus Christ,” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should strive to be subject to God's will and teachings in our lives.
- We should appreciate the role of church leaders in guiding us towards spiritual growth.
- We should cultivate unity and harmony in the church by following the law of Jesus Christ.