Exhortation to Confess Christ by Silence as Well as Speech
True Christianity is demonstrated not just by words, but by actions and a genuine faith that comes from the heart.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of actions aligning with words in the Christian faith, stating that it is better to be silent and be a true Christian than to speak without genuine faith. He highlights that the kingdom of God is manifested through power and righteous deeds, not just empty words. Ignatius encourages believers to not only teach but also live out their faith, following the example of Jesus Christ who both acted and taught. He reminds the audience that nothing is hidden from the Lord, urging them to live as temples of God with Christ dwelling within them.
Text
It is better for a man to be silent and be [a Christian], than to talk and not to be one. "The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." Men "believe with the heart, and confess with the mouth," the one "unto righteousness," the other "unto salvation."
It is good to teach, if he who speaks also acts. For he who shall both "do and teach, the same shall be great in the kingdom." Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, first did and then taught, as Luke testifies, "whose praise is in the Gospel through all the Churches." There is nothing which is hid from the Lord, but our very secrets are near to Him. Let us therefore do all things as those who have Him dwelling in us, that we may be His temples, and He may be in us as God.
Let Christ speak in us, even as He did in Paul. Let the Holy Spirit teach us to speak the things of Christ in like manner as He did.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Being a Christian
- It is better to be silent and be a Christian than to talk and not be one
- The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power
Key Quotes
“It is better for a man to be silent and be a Christian, than to talk and not to be one.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Let Christ speak in us, even as He did in Paul.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Let your actions demonstrate your faith, and let your words be guided by God.
- Recognize that faith is believed with the heart, and confession is made with the mouth.
- Seek to let Christ speak in you, even as He did in Paul, and let the Holy Spirit teach you to speak the things of Christ.