Jesus Christ Will Reveal These Things to You
Ignatius encourages believers to live for Christ and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide them.
Ignatius of Antioch passionately expresses his desire to live a life fully surrendered to Christ, acknowledging that it is no longer he who lives, but Christ who lives in him. He urges his audience to believe in his love for Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for their sake. Ignatius humbly asks for prayers to attain his goal in the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that his words are inspired by God's will. He acknowledges the potential for suffering or rejection, highlighting the challenges of living a life devoted to Christ.
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I no longer wish to live after the manner of men, and my desire shall be fulfilled if ye consent. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet no longer I, since Christ liveth in me." I entreat you in this brief letter: do not refuse me; believe me that I love Jesus, who was delivered [to death] for my sake. "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits towards me? "
Now God, even the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, shall reveal these things to you, [so that ye shall know] that I speak truly. And do ye pray along with me, that I may attain my aim in the Holy Spirit. I have not written to you according to the flesh, but according to the will of God. If I shall suffer, ye have loved me; but if I am rejected, ye have hated me.
Sermon Outline
- The Desire to Live for Christ
- Desire to be free from worldly living
- Crucified with Christ and living through Him
Key Quotes
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet no longer I, since Christ liveth in me.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits towards me?” — Ignatius of Antioch
“God, even the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ, shall reveal these things to you, [so that ye shall know] that I speak truly.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Believe in the true words of God and trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you.
- Live for Christ and let Him live through you.
- Pray along with others who are seeking to live for Christ.