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  THINGS THAT PLEASE GOD
  by Clement of Rome
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Summary: We should strive to live a holy life, avoiding evil-speaking
and seeking after humility and self-control, in order to receive God's
grace.

Topics: "Holy Living", "Christian Humility"
Scripture References: Proverbs 16:18, Proverbs 27:2, Matthew 23:12, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5

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DESCRIPTION
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Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of living a holy life,
avoiding evil behaviors such as gossip, impurity, drunkenness, and
pride. He encourages humility, self-control, and righteousness through
actions rather than mere words, reminding that God gives grace to the
humble. Clement urges believers to let their good deeds speak for
themselves, rather than seeking praise for themselves, and contrasts the
characteristics of those cursed by God with those blessed by Him.

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CONTENT
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Seeing, therefore, that we are the portion of the Holy One, let us do
all those things which pertain to holiness, avoiding all evil-speaking,
all abominable and impure embraces, together with all drunkenness,
seeking after change, all abominable lusts, detestable adultery, and
execrable pride. "For God," says [the Scripture], "resists the proud,
but gives grace to the humble." Let us cleave, then, to those to whom
grace has been given by God. Let us clothe ourselves with concord and
humility, ever exercising self-control, standing far off from all
whispering and evil-speaking, being justified by our works, and not our
words. For [the Scripture] says, "He that speaks much, shall also hear
much in answer.

And does he that is ready in speech deem himself righteous?

Blessed is he that is born of woman, who lives but a short time: be not
given to much speaking." Let our praise be in God, and not of ourselves;
for God hates those who commend themselves. Let testimony to our good
deeds be borne by others, as it was in the case of our righteous
forefathers. Boldness, and arrogance, and audacity belong to those that
are accursed of God; but moderation, humility, and meekness to such as
are blessed by Him.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/clement-of-rome/things-that-please-god/
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