Reason of Writing the Epistle.
Ignatius writes to the Church, commending them to God and emphasizing the faithfulness of Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Redeemer.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of communing with God in the faith of Jesus Christ, acknowledging the divine and desirable name believers carry. He urges for unity among the Churches and highlights Jesus Christ as the Savior of all, especially those who believe. Ignatius encourages believers to find refuge in Christ's faithfulness, assuring that they will not be tempted beyond what they can bear.
Text
Having been informed of your godly love, so well-ordered, I rejoiced greatly, and determined to commune with you in the faith of Jesus Christ. For as one who has been thought worthy of a divine and desirable name, in those bonds which I bear about, I commend the Churches, in which I pray for a union both of the flesh and spirit of Jesus Christ, "who is the Saviour of all men, but specially of them that believe; "
by whose blood ye were redeemed; by whom ye have known God, or rather have been known by Him; in whom enduring, ye shall escape all the assaults of this world: for "He is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which ye are able."
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- Communion in the faith of Jesus Christ
- Redemption through Jesus' blood
- Faithfulness of Jesus
- Protection from temptation
- Enduring in Jesus
Key Quotes
“He is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which ye are able.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“who is the Saviour of all men, but specially of them that believe;” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Trust in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ to protect you from temptation.
- Recognize the union of flesh and spirit in Jesus Christ.
- Rejoice in the knowledge of God through Jesus Christ.