The Duties of Presbyters
As presbyters, we are called to serve God with compassion, mercy, and forgiveness, while avoiding wrath and unjust judgment, and being held accountable for our actions at the judgment-seat of Christ.
St. Polycarp of Smyrna emphasizes the importance of compassion, mercy, and forgiveness in the Christian community, urging presbyters to care for the vulnerable and avoid wrath, unfair judgment, and covetousness. He reminds believers of the accountability we have before God and the need to forgive others as we seek forgiveness from the Lord. Polycarp encourages a life of reverence, following the teachings of Jesus, the apostles, and the prophets, while being vigilant against false brethren and those who lead others astray.
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And let the presbyters be compassionate and merciful to all, bringing back those that wander, visiting all the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always "providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and man ; " abstaining from all wrath, respect of persons, and unjust judgment; keeping far off from . all covetousness, not quickly crediting [an evil re port] against any one, not severe in judgment, as knowing that we are all under a debt of sin.
If then we entreat the Lord to forgive us, we ought also ourselves to forgive; for we are before the eyes of our Lord and God, and "we must all appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, and must every one give an account of himself." Let us then serve Him in fear, and with all reverence, even as He Himself has commanded us, and as the apostles who preached the Gospel unto us, and the prophets who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Lord [have alike taught us].
Let us be zealous in the pursuit of that which is good, keeping ourselves from causes of offence, from false brethren, and from those who in hypocrisy bear the name of the Lord, and draw away vain men into error.
Sermon Outline
- The Duties of Presbyters
- Avoiding Wrath and Unjust Judgment
- Forgiveness and Accountability
- Serving God with Fear and Reverence
- Following the Commands of Christ
- Following the Examples of the Apostles and Prophets
- Being Severe in Judgment
Key Quotes
“providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and man” — St. Polycarp of Smyrna
“we must all appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, and must every one give an account of himself” — St. Polycarp of Smyrna
“Let us then serve Him in fear, and with all reverence, even as He Himself has commanded us” — St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Application Points
- We should strive to be compassionate and merciful leaders in our churches, serving others with fear and reverence.
- We should prioritize visiting the sick, caring for the poor, and providing for the widow, orphan, and poor.
- We should be zealous in the pursuit of good, avoiding causes of offense and false brethren, and drawing people to Christ.