Ye Are Superior to Me
We are called to cultivate a humble spirit, recognizing our limitations and dependence on God, in order to be exalted and experience spiritual growth.
Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness in the eyes of God, drawing examples from biblical figures like Abraham, Job, David, and Moses who acknowledged their unworthiness before the Lord. He encourages the congregation to embrace a humble spirit, recognizing their own shortcomings and weaknesses, as true exaltation comes from God when one humbles themselves. Ignatius reminds them that even the righteous should see themselves as sinners in need of God's mercy, echoing the sentiment that what is esteemed by men may be abominable in God's sight.
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May I enjoy you in all respects, if indeed I be worthy! For though I am bound, I am not worthy to be compared to one of you that are at liberty. I know that ye are not puffed up, for ye have Jesus in yourselves. And all the more when I commend you, I know that ye cherish modesty of spirit; as it is written, "The righteous man is his own accuser; " and again, "Declare thou first thine iniquities, that thou mayest be justified;" and again, "When ye shall have done all things that are commanded you," say, "We are unprofitable servants; for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God."
For says [the Scripture], "God be merciful to me a sinner." Therefore those great ones, Abraham and Job, styled themselves "dust and ashes before God.
And David says, "Who am I before Thee, 0 Lord, that Thou hast glorified me hitherto? " And Moses, who was "the meekest of all men," saith to God, "I am of a feeble voice, and of a slow tongue." Be ye therefore also of a humble spirit, that ye may be exalted; for "he that abaseth himself shall be exalted, and he that exalteth himself shall be abased." ]
Sermon Outline
- You are superior to me
- The righteous man is his own accuser
- You are unprofitable servants
- Be humble and exalted
- Abasement leads to exaltation
- Pride leads to abasement
Key Quotes
“The righteous man is his own accuser;” — Ignatius of Antioch
“We are unprofitable servants; for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” — Ignatius of Antioch
“He that abaseth himself shall be exalted, and he that exalteth himself shall be abased.” — Ignatius of Antioch
Application Points
- Recognize your limitations and acknowledge your dependence on God.
- Cultivate a humble spirit by being willing to learn and grow from others.
- Do not boast of your accomplishments, but rather recognize God's greatness and mercy.