Maintain Union With the Bishop
Maintaining unity with the bishop is crucial for standing strong against heresy and protecting ourselves from spiritual harm.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity among believers as children of light and truth, warning against the divisive teachings of heretics that can defile and spread corruption. He urges followers to stay united under the guidance of their shepherd, Jesus Christ, and to be wary of false prophets disguised as sheep who seek to lead believers astray with deceptive pleasures. By maintaining unity and following the true shepherd, believers can guard themselves against the influence of wolves in sheep's clothing.
Text
Wherefore, as children of light and truth, avoid the dividing of your unity, and the wicked doctrine of the heretics, from whom "a defiling influence has gone forth into all the earth."
But where the shepherd is, there do ye as sheep follow. For there are many wolves in sheep's clothing, who, by means of a pernicious pleasure, carry captive those that are running towards God; but in your unity they shall have no place.
Sermon Outline
- Maintain Union With the Bishop
- Avoid Division and Heresy
- Follow the Shepherd
- Be Aware of Wolves in Sheep's Clothing
Key Quotes
“'a defiling influence has gone forth into all the earth'” — Ignatius of Antioch
“But where the shepherd is, there do ye as sheep follow.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“but in your unity they shall have no place.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- We must be aware of our surroundings and avoid division and heresy in the church.
- Following the shepherd is essential for our spiritual growth and protection.
- Unity in the church is a reflection of our relationship with God and allows us to stand strong against evil.