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Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.1 Corinthians 3.21-23
1 Clement 35
Clement of Rome (fl. ca. 90-100 AD)
“Let us therefore strive to be found in the number of those that wait for Him, in order that we may share in His promised gifts. But how, beloved, shall this be done? If our understanding be fixed by faith towards God; if we earnestly seek the things which are pleasing and acceptable to Him; if we do the things which are in harmony with His blameless will; and if we follow the way of truth, casting away from us all unrighteousness and iniquity, along with all covetousness, strife, evil practices, deceit, whispering, and evil-speaking, all hatred of God, pride and haughtiness, vainglory and ambition. For they that do such things are hateful to God; and not only they that do them, but also those that take pleasure in them that do them.”
Clement seems consciously, albeit indirectly, to have been reflecting themes and emphases from 1 Corinthians, as if to invoke the authority of Paul, but in terms relevant to the immediate situation in Corinth. His logic is compelling: Who wants to be found among those who hate God, and who show it by their covetousness, strife, pride, and so forth? The hortatory tone of these chapters is instructive; Clement does not command. He exhorts, urges, encourages, and, thus, leaves room for individuals to join with him (“Let us…”) and rediscover their proper orientation as a Church and churches. But don’t miss those enjoinders to prayer: wait on the Lord, seek the things that are pleasing to Him. Prayer is the starting-point and foundation of all true revival, renewal, and awakening, and Clement understood this. Do we?
Clement is leaving room for the Holy Spirit, working with the Scriptures, to bring conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgment to whichever of the members of the churches in Corinth may need it (Jn. 16.8-11). How do you work for conviction of sin in your own ministry? How can you tell when people are being convicted and seeking the Lord anew?
T. M. Moore
Praying for Revival
Here are four challengesto help you become involved in praying faithfully for revival. First, join one of our monthly Prayer for Revival groups of men who are committed to seeking the Lord in prayer. If you’re interested, write to me, and I’ll send you further details (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Second, help us start more groups of men who join monthly to pray for revival. Again, write me if you’d be willing to help start a new group. Third, order our book, Restore Us!, and learn why and how to start and lead a group of people praying together for the promises of God. Finally, write to me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and request a free PDF of Jonathan Edwards’ great call to prayer for revival, An Humble Attempt.
Men in the Gap for Prayer
The Lord came seeking men who would stand in the gap in prayer, so as to hold back His hand of judgment. He found none, and Nebuchadnezzar was the result. He’s seeking men to stand in the gap today. Are you one of them? What about the men in your church? Download our free PDF, Men of the Church: A Solemn Call, and ask the Lord what you can do to shore up the walls of His City before it’s too late. Watch this brief video explaining our Men at Prayer movement, and the booklet, If Men Will Pray, and how you can use it to enlist and equip men for a more consistent and fruitful life of prayer.
Your prayers and gifts make this ministry possible. Please seek the Lord in prayer about sharing with us at The Fellowship of Ailbe. You can use the Contribute button at the website, or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.