Things That Please God
We should strive to live a holy life, avoiding evil-speaking and seeking after humility and self-control, in order to receive God's grace.
Clement of Rome emphasizes the importance of living a holy life, avoiding evil behaviors such as gossip, impurity, drunkenness, and pride. He encourages humility, self-control, and righteousness through actions rather than mere words, reminding that God gives grace to the humble. Clement urges believers to let their good deeds speak for themselves, rather than seeking praise for themselves, and contrasts the characteristics of those cursed by God with those blessed by Him.
Text
Seeing, therefore, that we are the portion of the Holy One, let us do all those things which pertain to holiness, avoiding all evil-speaking, all abominable and impure embraces, together with all drunkenness, seeking after change, all abominable lusts, detestable adultery, and execrable pride. "For God," says [the Scripture], "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Let us cleave, then, to those to whom grace has been given by God. Let us clothe ourselves with concord and humility, ever exercising self-control, standing far off from all whispering and evil-speaking, being justified by our works, and not our words. For [the Scripture] says, "He that speaks much, shall also hear much in answer.
And does he that is ready in speech deem himself righteous?
Blessed is he that is born of woman, who lives but a short time: be not given to much speaking." Let our praise be in God, and not of ourselves; for God hates those who commend themselves. Let testimony to our good deeds be borne by others, as it was in the case of our righteous forefathers. Boldness, and arrogance, and audacity belong to those that are accursed of God; but moderation, humility, and meekness to such as are blessed by Him.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Holiness
- Avoiding evil-speaking and impure behavior
- Seeking after humility and self-control
- Standing far off from whispering and evil-speaking
Key Quotes
“For God, says [the Scripture], resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” — Clement of Rome
“He that speaks much, shall also hear much in answer.” — Clement of Rome
“Blessed is he that is born of woman, who lives but a short time: be not given to much speaking.” — Clement of Rome
Application Points
- We should be mindful of our words and actions, and strive to live a life that reflects our faith.
- We should seek after humility and self-control, rather than pride and arrogance.
- We should let testimony to our good deeds be borne by others, rather than seeking to commend ourselves.