Continue in Unity and Love
Ignatius exhorts the Church to continue in unity and love, emphasizing the importance of prayer, supplication, and the role of church leaders in maintaining harmony among members.
Ignatius of Antioch urges the Church in Smyrna to continue in harmony and supplication, emphasizing the importance of unity and prayer. He expresses gratitude for the support he has received from the Church leaders and encourages them to refresh one another in faith. Ignatius humbly requests prayers for himself, seeking to be found worthy in the eyes of God and not be deemed reprobate.
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I salute you from Smyrna, together with the Churches of God which are with me, whose rulers have refreshed me in every respect, both in the flesh and in the spirit. My bonds, which I carry about with me for the sake of Jesus Christ (praying that I may attain to God), exhort you. Continue in harmony among yourselves, and in supplication; for it becomes every one of you, and especially the presbyters, to refresh the bishop, to the honour of the Father, and to the honour of Jesus Christ and of the apostles.
I entreat you in love to hear me, that I may not, by having thus written, be a testimony against you.
And do ye also pray for me, who have need of your love, along with the mercy of God, that I may be thought worthy to attain the lot for which I am now designed, and that I may not be found reprobate.
Sermon Outline
- Continue in Unity and Love
- The Importance of Unity
- The Role of Church Leaders
- Prayer and Supplication
Key Quotes
“Continue in harmony among yourselves, and in supplication;” — Ignatius of Antioch
“My bonds, which I carry about with me for the sake of Jesus Christ (praying that I may attain to God),” — Ignatius of Antioch
“I entreat you in love to hear me, that I may not, by having thus written, be a testimony against you.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to maintain unity and harmony among the members of your Church.
- Pray for your church leaders and ask for their guidance and support.
- Reflect on your commitment to God and your desire to attain God's will in your life.