
St. Polycarp of Smyrna
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To the Philippians (Ca. 110-140)
1.6K16:27Audio BooksMAT 6:13EPH 2:81PE 4:7In this sermon, the speaker urges the listeners to serve God with fear and truth, while forsaking empty talking and the errors of the world. The speaker emphasizes the belief in God's power to raise Jesus Christ from the dead and exalt him to a position of glory and authority. The sermon encourages the audience to follow God's will, obey his commandments, and love what he loves, while abstaining from unrighteousness and sinful behaviors. The speaker also warns against covetousness and impurity, reminding the listeners that those who cannot govern themselves in these areas will be judged. The sermon concludes with a call to be blameless in their conduct among the Gentiles, so that their good works may bring praise to God and prevent his name from being blasphemed.
Rejoiced With You in Our Lord Jesus Christ
0ROM 6:4EPH 2:81PE 1:81PE 4:13St. Polycarp of Smyrna rejoices with the believers for following the example of true love displayed by God, especially in caring for those in chains. He commends their strong faith that endures and bears fruit for Jesus Christ, who suffered for their sins and was raised from the dead by God. Despite not seeing Jesus, they believe and rejoice with unspeakable joy, understanding that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
An Exhortation to Virtue
0MAT 5:3LUK 6:372CO 5:10PHP 2:101PE 1:21St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord in fear and truth, forsaking empty talk and error, and believing in Jesus Christ who was raised from the dead and glorified. He reminds believers that all things in heaven and on earth are subject to Jesus, who will come as the Judge of the living and the dead. Polycarp urges the congregation to walk in God's commandments, love what He loved, and avoid unrighteousness and evil, while practicing forgiveness, mercy, and humility as taught by the Lord.
Personal Unworthiness
0ROM 13:101CO 13:13GAL 5:61PE 4:81JN 3:18St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of righteousness, highlighting the teachings of the apostle Paul as a source of wisdom and truth. He encourages the listeners to study Paul's letters diligently for spiritual growth and to strengthen their faith, hope, and love for God, Christ, and others. Polycarp explains that possessing love is key to fulfilling the command of righteousness and being free from sin.
The Love of Money Is the Root of All Evils
0PRO 22:62CO 6:7EPH 6:111TI 6:10HEB 4:13St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the dangers of the love of money as the root of all evils, urging believers to focus on righteousness and the commandments of the Lord. He instructs wives to walk in faith, love, and purity, cherishing their husbands and showing love and chastity to all. Additionally, he advises the teaching of children in the ways of God and encourages widows to be discreet, prayerful, and to avoid all forms of evil, knowing that God sees all things, even the secrets of the heart.
The Duties of Deacons
01CO 6:9GAL 6:71TI 3:82TI 2:121PE 5:5St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of God's commandments and glory, calling deacons to be blameless servants of God and Christ, free from slander, greed, and deceit, but instead showing compassion and diligence. He reminds believers that by pleasing God in this world, they will receive the promise of the future world and reign with Him if they live worthily. Polycarp also instructs young men to maintain purity and avoid all forms of evil, as those who indulge in lustful desires will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The Duties of Presbyters
0MAT 6:14ROM 14:121TH 5:221PE 3:81JN 4:1St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness in the Christian community, urging presbyters to care for the vulnerable and avoid wrath, unfair judgment, and covetousness. He reminds believers of the accountability we have before God and the need to forgive others as we seek forgiveness from the Lord. Polycarp encourages a life of reverence, following the teachings of Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets, while being vigilant against false brethren and those who lead others astray.
Avoid the Docetae
0MAT 26:41MRK 14:382PE 3:161JN 4:2St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus Christ's incarnation and the testimony of the cross, warning against those who distort the teachings of the Lord for their own desires. He urges believers to reject false doctrines and return to the foundational word of God, emphasizing the need for prayer, fasting, and seeking God's guidance to resist temptation, acknowledging the struggle between the spirit's willingness and the weakness of the flesh.
Peace of God
0PSA 29:11JHN 14:27ROM 5:12TH 3:16St. Polycarp of Smyrna addresses the Church of God in Philippi, extending mercy and peace from God Almighty and the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy and peace in a world filled with turmoil and challenges, encouraging believers to find solace and strength in the Savior. Polycarp's message underscores the abundant grace and salvation available through Jesus Christ, urging the congregation to hold fast to their faith amidst trials and tribulations.
The Word of Righteousness
0GAL 2:20PHP 3:202TI 4:7HEB 6:121JN 2:15St. Polycarp of Smyrna encourages believers to follow the examples of faith and patience set by Ignatius, Zosimus, Rufus, Paul, and the apostles. He reminds them that these faithful individuals did not run in vain but lived in faith and righteousness, now in the presence of the Lord. Their love was not for the world but for Jesus, who died and rose again for them.
The Practice of Virtue
0PRO 19:17JHN 17:17GAL 6:21TH 5:111PE 5:9St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith, loving one another, and being united in truth. He encourages believers to show meekness, kindness, and generosity towards each other, reminding them of the power of doing good deeds. Polycarp also stresses the need for mutual submission, blameless conduct, and sobriety to reflect the character of the Lord and avoid bringing blasphemy to His name.
Expression of Grief
0St. Polycarp of Smyrna expresses deep concern for Valens, a former presbyter, urging the congregation to abstain from covetousness, practice chastity, and truthfulness, while avoiding all forms of evil. He emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and leading by example, warning that failure to do so can lead to defilement and judgment. Despite his disappointment in Valens, Polycarp commends the rest of the congregation for their faithfulness and encourages them to show compassion and bring back those who have strayed, in order to build up the body of believers.
The Transmission of Epistles
01CO 16:17PHP 4:71TH 5:25HEB 13:222JN 1:3St. Polycarp of Smyrna writes a letter to the recipients, expressing his intention to fulfill their request of carrying a letter to Syria if the opportunity arises. He mentions sending the Epistles of Ignatius to them for their benefit, as they focus on faith, patience, and edification in the Lord. Polycarp asks for any additional information about Ignatius and his companions. He recommends Crescens to them, praising his blameless character, and asks for his sister to be respected upon her arrival. The letter concludes with a blessing of safety in the Lord Jesus Christ and a wish for grace upon all.
The Martyrdom of Polycarp - Part 2
0MAT 10:32ACT 4:312TI 1:7HEB 10:35REV 2:10St. Polycarp of Smyrna, a venerable old man full of the grace of God, stood up and prayed fervently for two hours, leading many to repentance. Despite facing threats and pressure to deny his faith, Polycarp remained steadfast, refusing to renounce his belief in Christ. As he entered the stadium, a voice from heaven encouraged him to be strong and courageous. Polycarp's unwavering faith and bold confession of Christ, even in the face of death, left a lasting impact on those who witnessed his martyrdom.
The Martyrdom of Polycarp - Part 1
0MAT 5:10ROM 8:182CO 4:171PE 4:16REV 2:10St. Polycarp of Smyrna writes to various churches about the martyrdoms that have taken place, focusing on the example of the blessed Polycarp who endured persecution and martyrdom to inspire others to imitate his steadfast love and faith. The martyrs displayed incredible bravery and endurance, despising the tortures of the world for the promise of eternal rewards from Christ. Despite facing fearful punishments and temptations to deny their faith, they remained faithful, showing that God prevailed against all trials and tribulations.
In Prayer and Patience
01PE 2:221PE 4:16St. Polycarp of Smyrna encourages believers to persevere in hope and righteousness through Jesus Christ, who bore our sins and endured all things for us. He urges followers to imitate Christ's patience and glorify Him even in suffering for His name's sake, as Christ set the ultimate example for us to follow.