As a Prisoner, I Hope to See You
Ignatius expresses his hope to see the church while in prison, but is concerned that their love may not be genuine, and that he needs their support to attain a deeper spiritual connection with God.
Ignatius of Antioch expresses his gratitude for the privilege of seeing the faces of the congregation through prayer, hoping to visit them as a prisoner in Christ Jesus. He acknowledges the importance of clinging to his faith without hindrance until the end, fearing that excessive love from the congregation might hinder his spiritual journey. Ignatius recognizes the power of God's will and the challenges he faces in attaining closeness to God, urging the congregation to support him without being swayed by mere human affections.
Text
Through prayer to God I have obtained the privilege of seeing your most worthy faces, even as I earnestly begged might be granted me; for as a prisoner in Christ Jesus I hope to salute you, if indeed it be the will [of God] that I be thought worthy of attaining unto the end.
For the beginning has been well ordered, if I may obtain grace to cling to my lot without hindrance unto the end. For I am afraid of your love, lest it should do me an injury. For it is easy for you to accomplish what you please; but it is difficult for me to attain to God, if ye do not spare me, under the pretence of carnal affection.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Hope to Salute
- Concern for the Church
- Fear of their love
- Potential injury
- Difficulty in attaining God
Key Quotes
“For I am afraid of your love, lest it should do me an injury.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“For it is easy for you to accomplish what you please; but it is difficult for me to attain to God, if ye do not spare me, under the pretence of carnal affection.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We should be cautious of our motivations and ensure that our actions are guided by a genuine desire to help others, rather than self-interest.
- Perseverance and faithfulness are essential for spiritual growth and attaining a deeper connection with God.
- The church's love and support can be a powerful catalyst for spiritual growth, but it must be genuine and not motivated by carnal affection.