Practice of Brotherly Love
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of brotherly love and the characteristics of a faithful leader, calling believers to repentance and restoration to their former holy practice.
Clement of Rome urges believers to swiftly end discord and return to practicing brotherly love by humbly seeking reconciliation with the Lord through tears. He emphasizes that righteousness is the gateway to life, quoting 'Open to me the gates of righteousness.' The gate of righteousness in Christ leads to blessedness for those who walk in holiness and righteousness, conducting themselves without disorder. Clement stresses the importance of faithfulness, knowledge, wisdom, and purity, highlighting the need for humility and a focus on the common good rather than personal gain.
Text
Let us therefore, with all haste, put an end s to this [state of things]; and let us fall down before the Lord, and beseech Him with tears, that He would mercifully be reconciled to us, and restore us to our former seemly and holy practice of brotherly love. For [such conduct] is the gate of righteousness, which is set open for the attainment of life, as it is written, "Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go in by them, and will praise the Lord: this is the gate of the Lord: the righteous shall enter in by it."
Although, therefore, many gates have been set open, yet this gate of righteousness is that gate in Christ by which blessed are all they that have entered in and have directed their way in holiness and righteousness, doing all things without disorder.
Let a man be faithful: let him be powerful in the utterance of knowledge; let him be wise in judging of words; let him be pure in all his deeds; yet the more he seems to be superior to others [in these respects], the more humble-minded ought he to be, and to seek the common good of all, and not merely his own advantage.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Brotherly Love
- The Call to Repentance
- The Characteristics of a Faithful Leader
- Faithfulness
- Wisdom in judging
- Purity in deeds
Key Quotes
“Let us therefore, with all haste, put an end to this [state of things]; and let us fall down before the Lord, and beseech Him with tears, that He would mercifully be reconciled to us, and restore us to our former seemly and holy practice of brotherly love.” — Clement of Rome
“Let a man be faithful: let him be powerful in the utterance of knowledge; let him be wise in judging of words; let him be pure in all his deeds;” — Clement of Rome
“Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go in by them, and will praise the Lord: this is the gate of the Lord: the righteous shall enter in by it.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- As a leader, seek the common good of all and not merely your own advantage.
- Practice humility and be willing to serve others.
- Strive to be faithful, wise, and pure in all your deeds.