An Exhortation to Virtue
St. Polycarp exhorts believers to serve the Lord in fear and truth, and to follow His commandments and teachings.
St. 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.
Text
"Wherefore, girding up your loins," "serve the Lord in fear" and truth, as those who have forsaken the vain, empty talk and error of the multitude, and "believed in Him who raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and gave Him glory," and a throne at His right hand. To Him all things" in heaven and on earth are subject. Him every spirit serves. He comes as the Judge of the living and the dead.
His blood will God require of those who do not believe in Him.
But He who raised Him up from the dead will raise up us also, if we do His will, and walk in His commandments, and love what He loved, keeping ourselves from all unrighteousness, covetousness, love of money, evil speaking, falsewitness; "not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing," or blow for blow, or cursing for cursing, but being mindful of what the Lord said in His teaching: "Judge not, that ye be not judged; forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you; be merciful, that ye may obtain mercy; with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again; and once more, "Blessed are the poor, and those that are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God."
Sermon Outline
- Serve the Lord in Fear and Truth
- Forsake vain talk and error
- Believe in Jesus Christ
- Follow His commandments
Key Quotes
“Serve the Lord in fear and truth, as those who have forsaken the vain, empty talk and error of the multitude.” — St. Polycarp of Smyrna
“Judge not, that ye be not judged; forgive, and it shall be forgiven unto you; be merciful, that ye may obtain mercy;” — St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Application Points
- Believe in Jesus Christ and follow His teachings and commandments.
- Love what God loves and keep yourself from all unrighteousness and evil.
- Be mindful of God's teaching to not judge others and be merciful and forgiving.