Susanna Teaches Circumspection
The sermon emphasizes the importance of self-control, chastity, and purity in one's life, and the need to seek God's guidance and protection in times of temptation.
Clement of Rome warns about the dangers of lust and adultery by recounting the story of Susanna and the elders who fell into sin due to their lustful desires. He emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart and mind against temptation, especially when it comes to relationships with women. Clement urges the listeners to learn from the mistakes of the elders and to be vigilant in avoiding situations that could lead to moral downfall.
Text
Have you not read, and do you not know, concerning those elders who were in the days of Susanna, who, because they were constantly with women, and looking upon the beauty which was another's, fell into the depths of wantonness, and were not able to keep themselves in a chaste mind, but were overcome by a depraved disposition, and came suddenly upon the blessed Susanna to corrupt her.
But she did not consent to their foul passion, but cried unto God, and God saved her out of the hands of the bad old men. Does it not, therefore, behoove us to tremble and be afraid, forasmuch as these old men, judges and elders of the people of God, fell from their dignity because of a woman? For they did not keep in mind that which is said: Look not on the beauty which is another's; and, The beauty of woman has destroyed many; and With a married woman do not sit; and that, again, in which it says: Is there any one that puts fire in his bosom, and does not burn his clothes; or, Does a man walk on fire, and his feet are not scorched?
So whosoever goes in to another man's wife is not pure from evil, and whosoever comes near to her shall not escape. And again it says: You shall not long after the beauty a woman, lest she take you captive with her eyelids; and, You shall not look upon a maiden, lest you perish through desire of her; and, With a woman that sings beautifully you shall not constantly be; and, Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Sermon Outline
- The Danger of Wantonness
- The Power of God's Protection
- The Importance of Vigilance
- The dangers of temptation and the need for self-awareness
- The importance of living a life of purity and integrity
Key Quotes
“For they did not keep in mind that which is said: Look not on the beauty which is another's;” — Clement of Rome
“You shall not look upon a maiden, lest you perish through desire of her;” — Clement of Rome
“Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We must be vigilant and aware of our own desires and weaknesses, lest we fall into temptation.
- We should seek God's guidance and protection in times of temptation, and cry out to Him for help.
- Living a life of purity and integrity is essential for our spiritual well-being.