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  HONOUR THE DEACONS
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of honouring and
reverencing church leaders, particularly the deacons, as representatives
of Christ.

Topics: "Church Leadership", "Spiritual Growth"
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:2

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the reverence and respect that should be
given to bishops, who represent Christ Jesus, and presbyters, who are
like the assembly of the apostles of Christ. He highlights the
importance of the elect Church, congregation of holy ones, and assembly
of saints being led by these appointed leaders. Ignatius expresses
gratitude for the love shown through the bishop and urges gentleness in
his communication, striving for perfection in Christ. He humbly
acknowledges his own imperfections and the need for growth in Christ-
likeness.

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CONTENT
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And do ye reverence them as Christ Jesus, of whose place they are the
keepers, even as the bishop is the representative of the Father of all
things, and the presbyters are the sanhedrim of God, and assembly of the
apostles of Christ. Apart from these there is no elect Church, no
congregation of holy ones, no assembly of saints. I am persuaded that ye
also are of this opinion.

For I have received the manifestation of your love, and still have it
with me, in your bishop, whose very appearance is highly instructive,
and his meekness of itself a power; whom I imagine even the ungodly must
reverence. Loving you as I do, I avoid writing in any severer strain to
you, that I may not seem harsh to any, or wanting [in tenderness].

I am indeed bound for the sake of Christ, but I am not yet worthy of
Christ. But when I am perfected, perhaps I shall then become so. I do
not issue orders like an apostle.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/honour-the-deacons/
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