The Duties of the Christian Flock
The sermon emphasizes the importance of submission to church leadership, labouring together as a community, and living out faith in practical ways.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity and submission within the church, urging believers to respect and work harmoniously with their spiritual leaders. He encourages them to labor, strive, run, suffer, sleep, and awake together as servants of God, highlighting the communal aspect of faith. Ignatius stresses the need to remain faithful, loving, patient, and diligent in their works, promising a worthy reward from God for their efforts.
Text
Give ye heed to the bishop, that God also may give heed to you. My soul be for theirs that are submissive to the bishop, to the presbytery, and to the deacons: may I have my portion with them from God! Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates, and servants of God.
Please ye Him under whom ye fight, and from whom ye shall receive your wages. Let none of you be found a deserter. Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply. Let your works be the charge assigned to you, that you may obtain for them a most worthy recompense.
Be long-suffering, therefore, with one another, in meekness, and God shall be so with you. May I have joy of you for ever!
Sermon Outline
- Submission to Church Leadership
- Importance of the Bishop
- Role of the Presbytery and Deacons
Key Quotes
“Let your baptism endure as your arms; your faith as your helmet; your love as your spear; your patience as a complete panoply.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“Labour together with one another; strive in company together; run together; suffer together; sleep together; and awake together, as the stewards, and associates, and servants of God.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to submit to and respect your church leaders.
- Labour together with your fellow believers, striving in company and showing patience with one another.
- Live out your faith in practical ways, using your baptism as a symbol of protection and strength.