I Discipline My Body and Bring It into Subjection

7 December 19980 Comments

General Idea of the Lecture

This lecture revolves around a deep warning against spiritual downfall, even for those who have reached high levels of service, knowledge, or grace, based on the words of the Apostle Paul: “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

Core Spiritual Message

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that holy fear is required for every servant, whether clergy or layperson, because a good beginning does not guarantee a good ending. Many fell despite their greatness, such as Demas, Solomon the Wise, and even some angels, due to pride, love of the world, or claiming knowledge.

Warning Against Pride and Knowledge

The lecture emphasizes that the most dangerous wars facing servants are the war of pride and self, and the war of knowledge that exceeds the limits of humility and discernment. Claiming knowledge and searching into matters beyond one’s capacity can lead to heresy and downfall, as happened with certain teachers and patriarchs throughout history.

Priesthood: Responsibility, Not Authority

The teaching affirms that priesthood is not authority or honor, but responsibility and fatherhood. If authority exists, it is for the sake of service, not self-glorification. Love of leadership has destroyed many, while humility preserves a person on the path of salvation.

The Safe Path

The safe path is humility, continuous self-examination, holy fear, and never underestimating the possibility of falling. “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” Every gift from God—whether knowledge or miracles—needs humility to protect it.

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