Admonitory Examples
Clement of Rome encourages the brethren to examine the righteous fathers and learn from their examples of chastity and constancy in relationships.
Clement of Rome urges the congregation to reflect on the righteous fathers' conduct throughout their lives, from the law to the New Testament, to learn from their examples. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of relationships between men and women, highlighting those who perished due to negative influences and those who lived in purity and faithfulness. Clement aims to demonstrate the significance of maintaining chaste and blameless relationships, encouraging the listeners to strive for such standards.
Text
Let us consider, therefore, my brethren, and see how all the righteous fathers conducted themselves during the whole time of their sojourn in this life, and let us search and examine from the law down to the New Testament. For this is both becoming and profitable, that we should know how many men there have been, and who they were, that have perished through women; and who and how many have been the women that have perished through men, by reason of the constancy with which they have associated with one another.
And further, also, for the same reason, I will show how many have been the men, and who they were, that lived all their lifetime, and continued even to the close, with one another in the performance of chaste works without blemish.
And it is manifest and well-known that this is so.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Consider the righteous fathers
- Examine the law and New Testament
Key Quotes
“For this is both becoming and profitable, that we should know how many men there have been, and who they were, that have perished through women;” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should strive to live chaste lives and maintain purity in all relationships.
- Examining the righteous fathers can help us understand the principles of righteousness and how to live a life pleasing to God.
- Constancy and integrity in relationships are essential for a righteous life.