The Word of Righteousness
St. Polycarp exhorts the listeners to yield obedience to the word of righteousness, trusting in God's plan and timing, and to love Christ more than the world.
St. 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.
Text
I exhort you all, therefore, to yield obedience to the word of righteousness, and to exercise all patience, such as ye have seen [set] before your eyes, not only in the case of the blessed Ignatius, and Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul himself, and the rest of the apostles.
[This do] in the assurance that all these have not run in vain, but in faith and righteousness, and that they are [now] in their due place in the presence of the Lord, with whom also they suffered. For they loved not this present world, but Him who died for us, and for our sakes was raised again by God from the dead.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- The assurance of reward
- The love of Christ
- Love for Christ
- Love for the world
Key Quotes
“For they loved not this present world, but Him who died for us, and for our sakes was raised again by God from the dead.” — St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Application Points
- We should trust in God's plan and timing, even when we face difficulties and suffering.
- We should prioritize our love for Christ above all else, including the world and its desires.
- We should strive to live according to God's will and follow His commands.