The Order Appointed by God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of following the laws of the Lord and performing actions at the appointed times to avoid sin and be accepted by God.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of following God's commands in an orderly and timely manner, specifically in presenting offerings and performing services to Him. He highlights that these actions should not be done haphazardly but with reverence and according to God's will. By obeying and fulfilling these duties at the appointed times, individuals are accepted and blessed by the Lord, avoiding sin. Clement also distinguishes the roles and responsibilities of different individuals within the religious hierarchy, emphasizing the significance of each person's unique service.
Text
These things therefore being manifest to us, and since we look into the depths of the divine knowledge, it behoves us to do all things in [their proper] order, which the Lord has commanded us to perform at stated times. He has enjoined offerings [to be presented] and service to be performed [to Him], and that not thoughtlessly or irregularly, but at the appointed times and hours. Where and by whom He desires these things to be done, He Himself has fixed by His own supreme will, in order that all things being piously done according to His good pleasure, may be acceptable to Him.
Those, therefore, who present their offerings at the appointed times, are accepted and blessed; for inasmuch as they follow the laws of the Lord, they sin not.
For his own peculiar services are assigned to the high priest, and their own proper place is prescribed to the priests, and their own special ministrations devolve on the Levites. The layman is bound by the laws that pertain to laymen.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Order
- The Appointed Times and Hours
- The Roles of the Priests and Levites
- The Layman's Responsibilities
- The layman is bound by the laws that pertain to laymen
- The priests have their own proper place
- The Levites have their own special ministrations
Key Quotes
“Those, therefore, who present their offerings at the appointed times, are accepted and blessed;” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We must strive to follow the laws of the Lord and perform actions at the appointed times to avoid sin.
- Each person has their own specific role and responsibilities in the community of believers.
- Presenting our offerings at the appointed times is essential to be accepted and blessed by God.