Beware of These Heretics
Ignatius warns against heretics and emphasizes the importance of prayer for their repentance, while highlighting the reality of Christ's suffering and the need to rely on His inner strength.
Ignatius of Antioch warns the believers to be cautious of false teachers who appear as men but are like beasts, advising them to not only avoid but flee from such individuals. He emphasizes the importance of praying for these deceivers in hopes of their repentance. Ignatius explains his willingness to endure suffering and death for Christ, not just in appearance but in reality, relying on Christ's strength within him.
Text
I give you these instructions, beloved, assured that ye also hold the same opinions [as I do]. But I guard you beforehand from these beasts in the shape of men, from whom you must not only turn away, but even flee from them.
Only you must pray for them, if by any means they may be brought to repentance. For if the Lord were in the body in appearance only, and were crucified in appearance only, then am I also bound in appearance only. And why have I also surrendered myself to death, to fire, to the sword, to the wild beasts? But, [in fact, ] I endure all things for Christ, not in appearance only, but in reality, that I may suffer together with Him, while He Himself inwardly strengthens me; for of myself I have no such ability.
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- The Reality of Christ's Suffering
- The Power of Christ's Strength
- Inner Strength
- No Ability in Ourselves
Key Quotes
“For if the Lord were in the body in appearance only, and were crucified in appearance only, then am I also bound in appearance only.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“I endure all things for Christ, not in appearance only, but in reality, that I may suffer together with Him,” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- You must be willing to turn away from and flee from heretics, while praying for their repentance.
- You must rely on Christ's inner strength to endure suffering, rather than your own ability.
- You must be a witness to the salvation of others, by praying for their repentance and standing firm in your faith.