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<TITLE>Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible [Second Timothy II].</TITLE>
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Matthew Henry<BR><I>Commentary on the Whole Bible</I> (1721)
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<CENTER>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+3><B>S E C O N D &nbsp; T I M O T H Y.</B></FONT>
<BR>
<BR><FONT SIZE=+2>CHAP. II.</FONT>
<HR SIZE=1 WIDTH=50>
</CENTER>
<FONT SIZE=-1>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
In this chapter our apostle gives Timothy many exhortations and
directions, which may be of great use to other, both ministers and
Christians, for whom they were designed as well as for him.
I. He encourages him in his work, showing him whence he must fetch help,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:1">ver. 1</A>.
II. He must take care of a succession in the ministry, that the office
might not die with him,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:2">ver. 2</A>.
III. He exhorts him to constancy and perseverance in this work, as a
soldier and as a husbandman, considering what would be the end of all
his sufferings, &c.,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:3-15">ver. 3-15</A>.
IV. He must shun profane and vain babblings
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:16-18">ver. 16-18</A>),
for they will be pernicious and mischievous.
V. He speaks of the foundation of God, which standeth sure,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:19-21">ver. 19-21</A>.
VI. What he is to avoid--youthful lusts, and foolish and unlearned
questions; and what to do,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:22-26">ver. 22, to the end</A>.</P>
</FONT>
<A NAME="2Ti2_1"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_2"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_3"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_4"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_5"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_6"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_7"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec1"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Ministerial Fortitude.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;66.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in
Christ Jesus.
&nbsp; 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many
witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be
able to teach others also.
&nbsp; 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ.
&nbsp; 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of
<I>this</I> life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a
soldier.
&nbsp; 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, <I>yet</I> is he not
crowned, except he strive lawfully.
&nbsp; 6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the
fruits.
&nbsp; 7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in
all things.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here Paul encourages Timothy to constancy and perseverance in his work:
<I>Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:1"><I>v.</I> 1</A>.
Observe, Those who have work to do for God must stir up themselves to
do it, and strengthen themselves for it. Being strong in the grace that
is in Christ Jesus may be understood in opposition to the weakness of
grace. Where there is the truth of grace there must be a labouring
after the strength of grace. As our trials increase, we have need to
grow stronger and stronger in that which is good; our faith stronger,
our resolution stronger, our love to God and Christ stronger. Or it may
be understood in opposition to our being strong in our own strength:
"Be strong, not confiding in thy own sufficiency, but in the grace that
is in Jesus Christ." Compare
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+6:10">Eph. vi. 10</A>,
<I>Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.</I> When Peter
promised rather to die for Christ than to deny him he was strong in his
own strength; had he been strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
he would have kept his standing better. Observe,
1. There is grace in Christ Jesus; for the law was given by Moses, but
grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+1:17">John i. 17</A>.
There is grace enough in him for all of us.
2. We must be strong in this grace; not in ourselves, in our own
strength, or in the grace we have already received, but in the grace
that is in him, and that is the way to be strong in grace.
3. As a father exhorts his son, so does Paul exhort Timothy, with great
tenderness and affection: <I>Thou, therefore, my son, be strong,</I>
&c. Observe,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. Timothy must count upon sufferings, even unto blood, and therefore
he must train up others to succeed him in the ministry of the gospel,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:2"><I>v.</I> 2</A>.
He must instruct others, and train them up for the ministry, and so
commit to them the things which he had heard; and he must also ordain
them to the ministry, lodge the gospel as a trust in their hands, and
so commit to them the things which he had heard. Two things he must
have an eye to in ordaining ministers:--Their fidelity or integrity
("Commit them to <I>faithful men,</I> who will sincerely aim at the
glory of God, the honour of Christ, the welfare of souls, and the
advancement of the kingdom of the Redeemer among men"), and also their
ministerial ability. They must not only be knowing themselves, but be
able to teach others also, and be apt to teach. Here we have,
1. The things Timothy was to commit to others--what he had heard of
the apostle among many witnesses; he must not deliver any thing
besides, and what Paul delivered to him and others he had received of
the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. He was to commit them as a trust, as a sacred deposit, which they
were to keep, and to transmit pure and uncorrupt unto others.
3. Those to whom he was to commit these things must be faithful, that
is, trusty men, and who were skilful to teach others.
4. Though men were both faithful and able to teach others, yet these
things must be committed to them by Timothy, a minister, a man in
office; for none must intrude themselves into the ministry, but must
have these things committed to them by those already in that
office.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. He must <I>endure hardness</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:3"><I>v.</I> 3</A>):
<I>Thou therefore,</I> &c.
1. All Christians, but especially ministers, <I>are soldiers of Jesus
Christ;</I> they fight under his banner, in his cause, and against his
enemies, for he is the captain of our salvation,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+2:10">Heb. ii. 10</A>.
2. The soldiers of Jesus Christ must approve themselves good soldiers,
faithful to their captain, resolute in his cause, and must not give
over fighting till <I>they are made more than conquerors, through him
that loved them,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+8:37">Rom. viii. 37</A>.
3. Those who would approve themselves good soldiers of Jesus Christ
must endure hardness; that is, we must expect it and count upon it in
this world, must endure and accustom ourselves to it, and bear it
patiently when it comes, and not be moved by it from our integrity.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. He must not entangle himself in the affairs of this world,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:4"><I>v.</I> 4</A>.
A soldier, when he has enlisted, leaves his calling, and all the
business of it, that he may attend his captain's orders. If we have
given up ourselves to be Christ's soldiers, we must sit loose to this
world; and though there is no remedy, but we must employ ourselves in
the affairs of this life while we are here (we have something to do
here), we must not entangle ourselves with those affairs, so as by them
to be diverted and drawn aside from our duty to God and the great
concerns of our Christianity. Those who will war the good warfare must
sit loose to this world. <I>That we may please him who hath chosen us
to be soldiers.</I> Observe,
1. The great care of a soldier should be to please his general; so the
great care of a Christian should be to please Christ, to approve
ourselves to him. The way to please him who hath chosen us to be
soldiers is not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of this life,
but to be free from such entanglements as would hinder us in our holy
warfare.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
IV. He must see to it that in carrying on the spiritual warfare he went
by rule, that he observed the laws of war
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:5"><I>v.</I> 5</A>):
<I>If a man strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he
strive lawfully.</I> We are striving for mastery, to get the mastery of
our lusts and corruptions, to excel in that which is good, but we
cannot expect the prize unless we observe the laws. In doing that which
is good we must take care that we do it in a right manner, that our
good may not be evil spoken of. Observe here,
1. A Christian is to strive for masteries; he must aim at mastering his
own lusts and corruptions.
2. Yet he must strive according to the laws given to him; he must
strive lawfully.
3. Those who do so shall be crowned at last, after a complete victory
is obtained.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
V. He must be willing to wait for a recompence
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:6"><I>v.</I> 6</A>):
<I>The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the
fruits.</I> Or, as it should be read, <I>The husbandman labouring first
must partake of the fruits,</I> as appears by comparing it with
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Jam+5:7">Jam. v. 7</A>.
If we would be partakers of the fruits, we must labour; if we would
gain the prize, we must run the race. And, further, we must first
labour as the husbandman does, with diligence and patience, before we
are partakers of the fruit; we must do the will of God, before we
receive the promises, for which reason we have need of patience,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+10:36">Heb. x. 36</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
The apostle further commends what he had said to the attention of
Timothy, and expresses his desire and hope respecting him: <I>Consider
what I say, and the Lord give thee understanding in all things,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:7"><I>v.</I> 7</A>.
Here,
1. Paul exhorts Timothy to consider those thing about which he
admonished him. Timothy must be reminded to use his considering
faculties about the things of God. Consideration is as necessary to a
good conversation as to a sound conversion.
2. He prays for him: <I>The Lord give thee understanding in all
things.</I> Observe, It is God who gives understanding. The most
intelligent man needs more and more of this gift. If he who gave the
revelation in the word does not give the understanding in the heart, we
are nothing. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord would
give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up
to consider what we say, for consideration is the way to understand,
remember, and practise, what we hear or read.</P>
<A NAME="2Ti2_8"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_9"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_10"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_11"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_12"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_13"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec2"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Ministerial Encouragements.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;66.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>8 Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised
from the dead according to my gospel:
&nbsp; 9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, <I>even</I> unto bonds;
but the word of God is not bound.
&nbsp; 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that
they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with
eternal glory.
&nbsp; 11 <I>It is</I> a faithful saying: For if we be dead with <I>him,</I> we
shall also live with <I>him:</I>
&nbsp; 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with <I>him:</I> if we deny
<I>him,</I> he also will deny us:
&nbsp; 13 If we believe not, <I>yet</I> he abideth faithful: he cannot deny
himself.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. To encourage Timothy in suffering, the apostle puts him in mind of
the resurrection of Christ
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:8"><I>v.</I> 8</A>):
<I>Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from
the dead, according to my gospel.</I> This is the great proof of his
divine mission, and therefore a great confirmation of the truth of the
Christian religion; and the consideration of it should make us faithful
to our Christian profession, and should particularly encourage us in
suffering for it. Let suffering saints remember this. Observe,
1. We are to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who,
for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despised the
shame, and has now sat down at the right hand of the throne of God,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:2">Heb. xii. 2</A>.
2. The incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ, heartily believed
and rightly considered, will support a Christian under all sufferings
in the present life.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. Another thing to encourage him in suffering was that he had Paul
for an example. Observe,</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. How the apostle suffered
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:9"><I>v.</I> 9</A>):
<I>Wherein I suffer as an evil-doer;</I> and let not Timothy the son
expect any better treatment than Paul the father. Paul was a man who
did good, and yet suffered as an evil-doer: we must not think it
strange if those who do well fare ill in this world, and if the best of
men meet with the worst of treatment; but this was his comfort <I>that
the word of God was not bound.</I> Persecuting powers may silence
ministers and restrain them, but they cannot hinder the operation of
the word of God upon men's hearts and consciences; that cannot be bound
by any human force. This might encourage Timothy not to be afraid of
bonds for the testimony of Jesus; for the word of Christ, which ought
to be dearer to him than liberty, or life itself, should in the issue
suffer nothing by those bonds. Here we see,
(1.) The good apostle's treatment in the world: <I>I suffer
trouble;</I> to this he was called and appointed.
(2.) The pretence and colour under which he suffered: <I>I suffer as an
evil-doer;</I> so the Jews said to Pilate concerning Christ, <I>If he
were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up to thee,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Joh+18:30">John xviii. 30</A>.
(3.) The real and true cause of his suffering trouble as an evil-doer:
<I>Wherein;</I> that is, in or for the sake of the gospel. The apostle
suffered trouble unto bonds, and afterwards he resisted unto blood,
striving against sin,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Heb+12:4">Heb. xii. 4</A>.
Though the preachers of the word are often bound, yet the word is never
bound.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. Why he suffered cheerfully: <I>I endure all things for the elects'
sake,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:10"><I>v.</I> 10</A>.
Observe,
(1.) Good ministers may and should encourage themselves in the hardest
services and the hardest sufferings, with this, that God will certainly
bring good to his church, and benefit to his elect, out of
them.--<I>That they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ
Jesus.</I> Next to the salvation of our own souls we should be willing
to do and suffer any thing to promote the salvation of the souls of
others.
(2.) The elect are designed to obtain salvation: <I>God hath not
appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Th+5:9">1 Thess. v. 9</A>.
(3.) This salvation is in Christ Jesus, in him as the fountain, the
purchaser, and the giver of it; and it is accompanied with eternal
glory: there is no salvation in Christ Jesus without it.
(4.) The sufferings of our apostle were for the elects' sake, for their
confirmation and encouragement.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
III. Another thing with which he encourages Timothy is the prospect of
a future state.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
1. Those who faithfully adhere to Christ and to his truths and ways,
whatever it cost them, will certainly have the advantage of it in
another world: <I>If we be dead with him, we shall live with him,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
<I>If we be dead with him, we shall live with him,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:11"><I>v.</I> 11</A>.
If, in conformity to Christ, we be dead to this world, its pleasures,
profits, and honours, we shall go to live with him in a better world,
to be for ever with him. Nay, though we be called out to suffer for
him, we shall not lose by that. <I>Those who suffer for Christ</I> on
earth shall reign with Christ in heaven,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:12"><I>v.</I> 12</A>.
Those who suffered with David in his humiliation were preferred with
him in his exaltation: so it will be with those who suffer with the Son
of David.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
2. It is at our peril if we prove unfaithful to him: <I>If we deny him,
he also will deny us.</I> If we deny him before man, he will deny us
before his Father,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+10:33">Matt. x. 33</A>.
And that man must needs be for ever miserable whom Christ disowns at
last. This will certainly be the issue, whether we believe it or no
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:13"><I>v.</I> 13</A>):
<I>If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful; he cannot deny
himself.</I> He is faithful to his threatenings, faithful to his
promises; neither one nor the other shall fall to the ground, no, not
the least, jot nor tittle of them. If we be faithful to Christ, he will
certainly be faithful to us. If we be false to him, he will be faithful
to his threatenings: <I>he cannot deny himself,</I> cannot recede from
any word that he hath spoken, for he is yea, and amen, the faithful
witness. Observe,
(1.) Our being dead with Christ precedes our living with him, and is
connected with it: the one is in order to the other; so our suffering
for him is the way to reign with him. <I>You that have followed me in
the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his
glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve
tribes of Israel</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+19:28">Matt. xix. 28</A>.
(2.) This is a faithful saying, and may be depended on and ought to be
believed. But,
(3.) If we deny him, out of fear, or shame, or for the sake of some
temporal advantage, he will deny and disown us, and will not deny
himself, but will continue faithful to his word when he threatens as
well as when he promises.</P>
<A NAME="2Ti2_14"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_15"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_16"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_17"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_18"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec3"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Cautions against Error.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;66.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>14 Of these things put <I>them</I> in remembrance, charging <I>them</I>
before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit,
<I>but</I> to the subverting of the hearers.
&nbsp; 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
&nbsp; 16 But shun profane <I>and</I> vain babblings: for they will
increase unto more ungodliness.
&nbsp; 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is
Hymen&aelig;us and Philetus;
&nbsp; 18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the
resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Having thus encouraged Timothy to suffer, he comes in the next place to
direct him in his work.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. He must make it his business to edify those who were under his
charge, <I>to put them in remembrance</I> of those things which they
did already know; for this is the work of ministers; not to tell people
that which they never knew before, but to put them in mind of that
which they do know, <I>charging them that they strive not about
words.</I> Observe, Those that are disposed to strive commonly strive
about matters of very small moment. Strifes of words are very
destructive to the things of God. That they strive not about words
<I>to no profit.</I> If people did but consider of what little use most
of the controversies in religion are, they would not be so zealous in
their strifes of words, <I>to the subverting of the hearers,</I> to the
drawing of them away from the great things of God, and occasioning
unchristian heats and animosities, by which truth is often in danger of
being lost. Observe, People are very prone to strive about words, and
such strifes never answer any other ends than to shake some and subvert
others; they are not only useless, but they are very hurtful, and
therefore ministers are to charge the people that they do not strive
about words, and they are most likely to be regarded when they charge
them before the Lord, that is, in his name and from his word; when they
produce their warrant for what they say.--<I>Study to show thyself
approved unto God,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:15"><I>v.</I> 15</A>.
Observe, The care of ministers must be to approve themselves unto God,
to be accepted of him, and to show that they are so approved unto God.
In order thereunto, there must be constant care and industry: <I>Study
to show thyself</I> such a one, <I>a workman that needs not be
ashamed.</I> Ministers must be workmen; they have work to do, and they
must take pains in it. Workmen that are unskilful, or unfaithful, or
lazy, have need to be ashamed; but those who mind their business, and
keep to their work, are workmen that need not be ashamed. And what is
their work? It is <I>rightly to divide the word of truth.</I> Not to
invent a new gospel, but rightly to divide the gospel that is committed
to their trust. To speak terror to those to whom terror belongs,
comfort to whom comfort; to give every one <I>his portion in due
season,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+24:45">Matt. xxiv. 45</A>.
Observe here,
1. The word which ministers preach is the word of truth, for the author
of it is the God of truth.
2. It requires great wisdom, study, and care, to divide this word of
truth rightly; Timothy must study in order to do this well.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. He must take heed of that which would be a hindrance to him in his
work,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:16"><I>v.</I> 16</A>.
He must take heed of error: <I>Shun profane and vain babblings.</I> The
heretics, who boasted of their notions and their arguments, thought
their performances such as might recommend them; but the apostle calls
them <I>profane and vain babblings:</I> when once men become fond of
those <I>they will increase unto more ungodliness.</I> The way of error
is down-hill; one absurdity being granted or contended for, a thousand
follow: <I>Their word will eat as doth a canker, or gangrene;</I> when
errors or heresies come into the church, the infecting of one often
proves the infecting of many, or the infecting of the same person with
one error often proves the infecting of him with many errors. Upon this
occasion the apostle mentions some who had lately advanced erroneous
doctrines: <I>Hymeneus and Philetus.</I> He names these corrupt
teachers, by which he sets a brand upon them, to their perpetual
infamy, and warns all people against hearkening to them. They have
<I>erred concerning the truth,</I> or concerning one of the fundamental
articles of the Christian religion, which is truth. The resurrection of
the dead is one of the great doctrines of Christ. Now see the subtlety
of the serpent and the serpent's seed. They did not deny the
resurrection (for that had been boldly and avowedly to confront the
word of Christ), but they put a corrupt interpretation upon that true
doctrine, saying that the resurrection was past already, that what
Christ spoke concerning the resurrection was <I>to be understood
mystically</I> and by way of allegory, that it must be meant of a
spiritual resurrection only. It is true, there is a spiritual
resurrection, but to infer thence that there will not be a true and
real resurrection of the body at the last day is to dash one truth of
Christ in pieces against another. By this they <I>overthrew the faith
of some,</I> took them off from the belief of the resurrection of the
dead; and if there be no resurrection of the dead, nor future state, no
recompence of our services and sufferings in another world, we are of
men the most miserable,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+15:19">1 Cor. xv. 19</A>.
Whatever takes away the doctrine of a future state overthrows the faith
of Christians. The apostle had largely disproved this error
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Co+15:1-58">1 Cor. xv.</A>),
and therefore does not here enter into the arguments against it.
Observe,
1. The babblings Timothy was to shun were profane and vain; they were
empty shadows, and led to profaneness: <I>For they will increase unto
more ungodliness.</I>
2. Error is very productive, and on that account the more dangerous:
it <I>will eat like a gangrene.</I>
3. When men err concerning the truth, they always endeavour to have
some plausible pretence for it. Hymeneus and Philetus did not deny a
resurrection, but pretended it was already past.
4. Error, especially that which affects the foundation, will overthrow
the faith of some.</P>
<A NAME="2Ti2_19"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_20"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_21"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec4"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Cautions against Error.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;66.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having
this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one
that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
&nbsp; 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and
of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and
some to dishonour.
&nbsp; 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a
vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use,
<I>and</I> prepared unto every good work.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Here we see what we may comfort ourselves with, in reference to this,
and the little errors and heresies that both infect and infest the
church, and do mischief.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. It may be a great comfort to us that the unbelief of men cannot make
the promise of God of no effect. Though the faith of some particular
persons be overthrown, yet <I>the foundation of God standeth sure</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:19"><I>v.</I> 19</A>);
it is not possible that they should deceive the elect. Or it may be
meant of the truth itself, which they impugn. All the attacks which the
powers of darkness have made upon the doctrine of Christ cannot shake
it; it stands firm, and weathers all the storms which have been raised
against it. The prophets and apostles, that is, the doctrines of the
Old and New Testament, are still firm; and they have a seal with two
mottoes upon it, one on the one side, and the other on the other, as is
usual in a broad seal.
1. One expresses our comfort--that <I>the Lord knows those that are
his,</I> and those that are not; knows them, that is, he owns them, so
knows them that he will never lose them. Though the faith of some be
overthrown, yet the Lord is said to know the ways of the righteous,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ps+1:6">Ps. i. 6</A>.
None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen.
2. Another declares our duty--that every one who names the name of
Christ must depart from iniquity. Those who would have the comfort of
the privilege must make conscience of the duty. If the name of Christ
be called upon us, we must depart from iniquity, else he will not own
us; he will say in the great day
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+7:23">Matt. vii. 23</A>),
<I>Depart from me, I never knew you, you workers of iniquity.</I>
Observe,
(1.) Whatever errors are introduced into the church, the foundation of
God standeth sure, his purpose can never be defeated.
(2.) God hath some in the church who are his and whom he knows to be
his.
(3.) Professing Christians name the name of Christ, are called by his
name, and therefore are bound to depart from iniquity; for Christ
<I>gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Tit+2:14">Tit. ii. 14</A>.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. Another thing that may comfort us is that though there are some
whose faith is overthrown, yet there are others who keep their
integrity, and hold it fast
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:20"><I>v.</I> 20</A>):
<I>In a great house there are not only vessels of gold,</I> &c. The
church of Christ is a great house, a well-furnished house: now some of
the furniture of this house is of great value, as the plate in a house;
some of small value, and put to mean uses, as the vessels of wood and
earth; so it is in the church of God. There are some professors of
religion that are like the vessels of wood and earth, they are vessels
of dishonour. But at the same time all are not vessels of dishonour;
there are <I>vessels of gold and silver,</I> vessels of honour, <I>that
are sanctified and meet for the Master's use.</I> When we are
discouraged by the badness of some, we must encourage ourselves by the
consideration of the goodness of others. Now we should see to it that
we be vessels of honour: we must <I>purge ourselves from these corrupt
opinions,</I> that we may be sanctified for our Master's use. Observe,
1. In the church there are some vessels of honour and some of
dishonour; there are some vessels of mercy and other vessels of wrath,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+9:22,23">Rom. ix. 22, 23</A>.
Some dishonour the church by their corrupt opinions and wicked lives;
and others honour and credit it by their exemplary conversation.
2. A man must purge himself from these before he can be a vessel of
honour, or meet for his Master's use.
3. Every vessel must be fit for its Master's use; every one in the
church whom God approves must be devoted to his Master's service and
meet for his use.
4. Sanctification in the heart is our preparation for every good work.
The tree must be made good, and then the fruit will be good.</P>
<A NAME="2Ti2_22"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_23"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_24"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_25"> </A>
<A NAME="2Ti2_26"> </A>
<A NAME="Sec5"> </A>
<TABLE WIDTH="100%" BORDER=0>
<TR><TD><FONT SIZE=+1><I>Cautions against Contention.</I></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN=RIGHT VALIGN=BOTTOM><FONT SIZE=-1>A.&nbsp;D.</FONT>&nbsp;66.</TD></TR>
<TR><TD COLSPAN=2><HR SIZE=1></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
<FONT SIZE=+1>22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith,
charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure
heart.
&nbsp; 23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they
do gender strifes.
&nbsp; 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle
unto all <I>men,</I> apt to teach, patient,
&nbsp; 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of
the truth;
&nbsp; 26 And <I>that</I> they may recover themselves out of the snare of
the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
</FONT></P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
I. Paul here exhorts Timothy to beware of <I>youthful lusts,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:22"><I>v.</I> 22</A>.
Though he was a holy good man, very much mortified to the world, yet
Paul thought it necessary to caution him against youthful lusts:
"<I>Flee</I> them, take all possible care and pains to keep thyself
pure from them." The lusts of the flesh are youthful lusts, which young
people must carefully watch against, and the best must not be secure.
He prescribes an excellent remedy against youthful lusts: <I>Follow
righteousness, faith, charity peace,</I> &c. Observe,
1. Youthful lusts are very dangerous, for which reason even hopeful
young people should be warned of them, for they war against the soul,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=1Pe+2:11">1 Pet. ii. 11</A>.
2. The exciting of our graces will be the extinguishing of our
corruptions; the more we follow that which is good the faster and the
further we shall flee from that which is evil. Righteousness, and
faith, and love, will be excellent antidotes against youthful lusts.
Holy love will cure impure lust.--<I>Follow peace with those that call
on the Lord.</I> The keeping up of the communion of saints will take us
off from all fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See the
character of Christians: they are such as <I>call on the Lord Jesus
Christ, out of a pure heart.</I> Observe, Christ is to be prayed to. It
is the character of all Christians that they call upon him; but our
prayers to God and Christ are not acceptable nor successful except they
come out of a pure heart.</P>
<P> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
II. He cautions him against contention, and, to prevent this
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:23"><I>v.</I> 23</A>),
cautions him against <I>foolish and unlearned questions,</I> that tend
to no benefit, strifes of words. Those who advanced them, and doted
upon them, thought themselves wise and learned; but Paul calls them
foolish and unlearned. The mischief of these is that they <I>gender
strifes,</I> that they breed debates and quarrels among Christians and
ministers. It is very remarkable how often, and with what seriousness,
the apostle cautions Timothy against disputes in religion, which surely
was not without some such design as this, to show that religion
consists more in believing and practising what God requires than in
subtle disputes.--<I>The servant of the Lord must not strive,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>.
Nothing worse becomes the servant of the Lord Jesus, who himself did
not strive nor cry
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+12:19">Matt. xii. 19</A>),
but was a pattern of meekness, and mildness, and gentleness to all,
than strife and contention. The servant of the Lord must be <I>gentle
to all men,</I> and thereby show that he is himself subject to the
commanding power of that holy religion which he is employed in
preaching and propagating.--<I>Apt to teach.</I> Those are unapt to
teach who are apt to strive, and are fierce and froward. Ministers must
be patient, bearing with evil, and <I>in meekness instructing</I>
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:25"><I>v.</I> 25</A>)
not only those who subject themselves, but those who oppose themselves.
Observe,
1. Those who oppose themselves to the truth are to be instructed; for
instruction is the scripture-method of dealing with the erroneous,
which is more likely to convince them of their errors than fire and
faggot: he does not bid us kill their bodies, under pretence of saving
their souls.
2. Such as oppose themselves are to be instructed in meekness, for our
Lord is meek and lowly
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Mt+11:29">Matt. xi. 29</A>),
and this agrees well with the character of the servant of the Lord
(<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:24"><I>v.</I> 24</A>):
<I>He must not strive, but be gentle to all men, apt to teach,
patient.</I> This is the way to convey truth in its light and power,
and to overcome evil with good,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+12:21">Rom. xii. 21</A>.
3. That which ministers must have in their eyes, in instructing those
who oppose themselves, must be their recovery: <I>If God, peradventure,
will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.</I>
Observe,
(1.) Repentance is God's gift.
(2.) It is a gift with a <I>peradventure</I> in the case of those who
oppose themselves; and therefore, though we are not to despair of the
grace of God, yet we must take heed of presuming upon it. <I>To the
acknowledging of the truth.</I>
(3.) The same God who gives us the discovery of the truth does by his
grace bring us to the acknowledging of it, otherwise our hearts would
continue in rebellion against it, for we are to confess with our mouths
as well as to believe with our hearts,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ro+10:9,10">Rom. x. 9, 10</A>.
And thus sinners recover themselves out of the snare of the devil; see
here,
[1.] The misery of sinners: they are in the <I>snare of the devil, and
are led captive by him at his will,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=2Ti+2:26"><I>v.</I> 26</A>.
They are slaves to the worst of task-masters; he is the spirit that now
worketh in the children of disobedience,
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Eph+2:2">Eph. ii. 2</A>.
They are taken in a snare, and in the worst snare, because it is the
devil's; they are as fishes that are taken in n evil net, and as the
birds that are caught in the snare. Further, They are under Ham's curse
(<I>a servant of servants shall he be,</I>
<A HREF="http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?version=KJV&passage=Ge+9:25">Gen. ix. 25</A>),
they are slaves to him who is but a slave and vassal.
[2.] The happiness of those who repent: they recover themselves out of
this snare, as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is
broken and they have escaped; and the greater the danger the greater
the deliverance. When sinners repent, those who before were led captive
by the devil at his will come to be led into the glorious liberty of
the children of God, and have their wills melted into the will of the
Lord Jesus. The good Lord recover us all out of the snare.</P>
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