mh_parser/vol_split/55 - 2Timothy/Chapter 3.xml

<div2 id="iiTim.iv" n="iv" next="iiTim.v" prev="iiTim.iii" progress="71.14%" title="Chapter III">
<h2 id="iiTim.iv-p0.1">S E C O N D   T I M O T H Y.</h2>
<h3 id="iiTim.iv-p0.2">CHAP. III.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiTim.iv-p1">I. The apostle forewarns Timothy what the last
days would be, with the reasons thereof, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.1-2Tim.3.9" parsed="|2Tim|3|1|3|9" passage="2Ti 3:1-9">ver. 1-9</scripRef>. II. Prescribes various remedies
against them (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.10-2Tim.3.17" parsed="|2Tim|3|10|3|17" passage="2Ti 3:10-17">ver. 10, to the
end</scripRef>), particularly his own example ("But thou hast fully
known my doctrine," &amp;c.) and the knowledge of the holy
scriptures, which are able to make us wise unto salvation, and will
be the best antidote against the corruptions of the times we live
in. In this chapter Paul tells Timothy how bad others would be, and
therefore how good he should be; and this use we should make of the
badness of others, thereby to engage us to hold our own integrity
so much the firmer.</p>
<scripCom id="iiTim.iv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3" parsed="|2Tim|3|0|0|0" passage="2Ti 3" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiTim.iv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.1-2Tim.3.9" parsed="|2Tim|3|1|3|9" passage="2Ti 3:1-9" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Tim.3.1-2Tim.3.9">
<h4 id="iiTim.iv-p1.5">Marks of Perilous Times. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiTim.iv-p1.6">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiTim.iv-p2">1 This know also, that in the last days perilous
times shall come.   2 For men shall be lovers of their own
selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
parents, unthankful, unholy,   3 Without natural affection,
trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of
those that are good,   4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers
of pleasures more than lovers of God;   5 Having a form of
godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
  6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and
lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers
lusts,   7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the
knowledge of the truth.   8 Now as Jannes and Jambres
withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt
minds, reprobate concerning the faith.   9 But they shall
proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all
<i>men,</i> as theirs also was.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p3">Timothy must not think it strange if there
were in the church bad men; for the net of the gospel was to
enclose both good fish and bad, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.22.47-Matt.22.48" parsed="|Matt|22|47|22|48" passage="Mt 22:47,48">Matt. xxii. 47, 48</scripRef>. Jesus Christ had
foretold (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.24.1-Matt.24.51" parsed="|Matt|24|1|24|51" passage="Mt 24:1-51">Matt. xxiv.</scripRef>)
that there would come seducers, and therefore we must not be
offended at it, nor think the worse of religion or the church for
it. Even in gold ore there will be dross, and a great deal of chaff
among the wheat when it lies on the floor.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p4">I. Timothy must know that in the <i>last
days</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.1" parsed="|2Tim|3|1|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), in
gospel times, there would <i>come perilous times.</i> Though gospel
times were times of reformation in many respects, let him know that
even in gospel times there would be perilous times; not so much on
account of persecution from without as on account of corruptions
within. These would be difficult times, wherein it would be
difficult for a man to keep a good conscience. He does not say,
"Perilous times shall come, for both Jews and Gentiles shall be
combined to root out Christianity;" but "perilous times shall come,
for such as have <i>the form of godliness</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p4.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.5" parsed="|2Tim|3|5|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>) shall be corrupt and wicked, and
do a great deal of damage to the church." Two traitors within the
garrison may do more hurt to it than two thousand besiegers
without. Perilous times shall come, for men shall be wicked. Note,
1. Sin makes the times perilous. When there is a general corruption
of manners, and of the tempers of men, this makes the times
dangerous to live in; for it is hard to keep our integrity in the
midst of general corruption. 2. The coming of perilous times is an
evidence of the truth of scripture-predictions; if the event in
this respect did not answer to the prophecy, we might be tempted to
question the divinity of the Bible. 3. We are all concerned to know
this, to believe and consider it, that we may not be surprised when
we see the times perilous: <i>This know also.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p5">II. Paul tells Timothy what would be the
occasion of making these times perilous, or what shall be the marks
and signs whereby these times may be known, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.2" parsed="|2Tim|3|2|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>, &amp;c. 1. Self-love will make
the times perilous. Who is there who does not love himself? But
this is meant of an irregular sinful self-love. Men love their
carnal selves better than their spiritual selves. Men love to
gratify their own lusts, and make provision for them, more than to
please God and do their duty. Instead of Christian charity, which
takes care for the good of others, they will mind themselves only,
and prefer their own gratification before the church's edification.
2. Covetousness. Observe, Self-love brings in a long train of sins
and mischiefs. When men are lovers of themselves, no good can be
expected from them, as all good may be expected from those who love
God with all their hearts. When covetousness generally prevails,
when every man is for what he can get and for keeping what he has,
this makes men dangerous to one another, and obliges every man to
stand on his guard against his neighbour. 3. Pride and vain-glory.
The times are perilous when men, being proud of themselves, are
<i>boasters and blasphemers,</i> boasters before men whom they
despise and look upon with scorn, and blasphemers of God and of his
name. When men do not fear God they will not regard man, and so
<i>vice versâ.</i> 4. When children are disobedient to their
parents, and break through the obligations which they lie under to
them both in duty and gratitude, and frequently in interest, having
their dependence upon them and their expectation from them, they
make the times perilous; for what wickedness will those stick at
who will be abusive to their own parents and rebel against them? 5.
Unthankfulness and unholiness make the times perilous, and these
two commonly go together. What is the reason that men are unholy
and without the fear of God, but that they are unthankful for the
mercies of God? Ingratitude and impiety go together; for call a man
ungrateful, and you can call him by no worse name. Unthankful, and
impure, defiled with fleshly lusts, which is an instance of great
ingratitude to that God who has provided so well for the support of
the body; we abuse his gifts, if we make them the food and fuel of
our lusts. 6. The times are perilous when men will not be held by
the bonds either of nature or common honesty, when they are
<i>without natural affection,</i> and <i>truce-breakers,</i>
<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.3" parsed="|2Tim|3|3|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. There is a
natural affection due to all. Wherever there is the human nature,
there should be humanity towards those of the same nature, but
especially between relations. Times are perilous when children are
disobedient to their parents (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.2" parsed="|2Tim|3|2|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:2"><i>v.</i>
2</scripRef>) and when parents are without natural affection to
their children, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.3" parsed="|2Tim|3|3|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>.
See what a corruption of nature sin is, how it deprives men even of
that which nature has implanted in them for the support of their
own kind; for the natural affection of parents to their children is
that which contributes very much to the keeping up of mankind upon
the earth. And those who will not be bound by natural affection, no
marvel that they will not be bound by the most solemn leagues and
covenants. <i>They are truce-breakers,</i> that make no conscience
of the engagements they have laid themselves under. 7. The times
are perilous when men are <i>false accusers</i> one of another,
<b><i>diaboloi</i></b>—<i>devils</i> one to another, having no
regard to the good name of others, or to the religious obligations
of an oath, but thinking themselves at liberty to say and do what
they please, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.12.4" parsed="|Ps|12|4|0|0" passage="Ps 12:4">Ps. xii. 4</scripRef>. 8.
When men have no government of themselves and their own appetites:
not of their own appetites, for they are <i>incontinent;</i> not of
their own passions, for they are <i>fierce;</i> when they have no
rule over their own spirits, and therefore are like a city that is
broken down, and has no walls; they are soon fired, upon the least
provocation. 9. When that which is good and ought to be honoured is
generally despised and looked upon with contempt. It is the pride
of persecutors that they look with contempt upon good people,
though they are more excellent than their neighbours. 10. When men
are generally treacherous, wilful, and haughty, the times are
perilous (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.6" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.4" parsed="|2Tim|3|4|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>)—
when men are <i>traitors, heady, high-minded.</i> Our Saviour has
foretold that the brother shall betray the brother to death and the
father the child (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.7" osisRef="Bible:Matt.10.21" parsed="|Matt|10|21|0|0" passage="Mt 10:21">Matt. x.
21</scripRef>), and those are the worst sort of traitors: those who
delivered up their Bibles to persecutors were called
<i>traditores,</i> for they betrayed the trust committed to them.
When men are petulant and puffed up, behaving scornfully to all
about them, and when this temper generally prevails, then the times
are perilous. 11. When men are generally <i>lovers of pleasure more
than lovers of God.</i> When there are more epicures than true
Christians, then the times are bad indeed. God is to be loved above
all. That is a carnal mind, and is full of enmity against him,
which prefers any thing before him, especially such a sordid thing
as carnal pleasure is. 12. When, notwithstanding all this, they
<i>have the form of godliness</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p5.8" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.5" parsed="|2Tim|3|5|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>), are called by the Christian
name, baptized into the Christian faith, and make a show of
religion; but, how plausible soever their form of godliness is,
they deny the power of it. When they take upon them the form which
should and would bring along with it the power thereof, they will
put asunder what God hath joined together: they will assume the
form of godliness, to take away their reproach; but they will not
submit to the power of it, to take away their sin. Observe here,
(1.) Men may be very bad and wicked under a profession of religion;
they may be lovers of themselves, &amp;c., yet have a form of
godliness. (2.) A form of godliness is a very different thing from
the power of it; men may have the one and be wholly destitute of
the other; yea, they deny it, at least practically in their lives.
(3.) From such good Christians must withdraw themselves.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p6">III. Here Paul warns Timothy to take heed
of certain seducers, not only that he might not be drawn away by
them himself, but that he might arm those who were under his charge
against their seduction. 1. He shows how industrious they were to
make proselytes (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.6" parsed="|2Tim|3|6|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:6"><i>v.</i>
6</scripRef>): they applied themselves to particular persons,
visited them in their houses, not daring to appear openly; for
those that do evil hate the light, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:John.3.20" parsed="|John|3|20|0|0" passage="Joh 3:20">John iii. 20</scripRef>. They were not forced into
houses, as good Christians often were by persecution; but they of
choice crept into houses, to insinuate themselves into the
affections and good opinion of people, and so to draw them over to
their party. And see what sort of people those were that they
gained, and made proselytes of; they were such as were weak,
<i>silly women;</i> and such as were wicked, <i>laden with sins,
and led away with divers lusts.</i> A foolish head and a filthy
heart make persons, especially women, an easy prey to seducers. 2.
He shows how far they were from coming to the knowledge of the
truth, though they pretended to be <i>ever learning,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p6.3" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.7" parsed="|2Tim|3|7|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. In one sense we must all
be ever learning, that is, growing in knowledge, following on to
know the Lord, pressing forward; but these were sceptics, giddy and
unstable, who were forward to imbibe every new notion, under
pretence of advancement in knowledge, but never came to a right
understanding of the truth as it is in Jesus. 3. He foretels the
certain stop that should be put to their progress (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p6.4" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.8-2Tim.3.9" parsed="|2Tim|3|8|3|9" passage="2Ti 3:8,9"><i>v.</i> 8, 9</scripRef>), comparing them to
the Egyptian magicians who withstood Moses, and who are here named,
<i>Jannes and Jambres;</i> though the names are not to be met with
in the story of the Old Testament, yet they are found in some old
Jewish writers. When Moses came with a divine command to fetch
Israel out of Egypt, these magicians opposed him. Thus those
heretics <i>resisted the truth</i> and like them were men <i>of
corrupt minds,</i> men who had their understandings perverted,
biassed and prejudiced against the truth, and <i>reprobate
concerning the faith,</i> or very far from being true Christians;
<i>but they shall proceed no further,</i> or not much further, as
some read it. Observe, (1.) Seducers seek for corners, and love
obscurity; for they are afraid to appear in public, and therefore
creep into houses. Further, They attack those who are the least
able to defend themselves, silly and wicked women. (2.) Seducers in
all ages are much alike. Their characters are the same—namely,
<i>Men of corrupt minds,</i> &amp;c.; their conduct is much the
same—they resist the truth, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses;
and they will be alike in their disappointment. (3.) Those who
resist the truth are guilty of folly, yea, of egregious folly; for
<i>magna est veritas, et prævalebit—Great is the truth, and shall
prevail.</i> (4.) Though the spirit of error may be let loose for a
time, God has it in a chain. Satan can deceive the nations and the
churches no further and no longer than God will permit him:
<i>Their folly shall be manifest,</i> it shall appear that they are
imposters, and every man shall abandon them.</p>
</div><scripCom id="iiTim.iv-p6.5" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.10-2Tim.3.17" parsed="|2Tim|3|10|3|17" passage="2Ti 3:10-17" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Tim.3.10-2Tim.3.17">
<h4 id="iiTim.iv-p6.6">Marks of Perilous Times; Excellence of the
Scriptures. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiTim.iv-p6.7">a.
d.</span> 66.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiTim.iv-p7">10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner
of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at
Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of
<i>them</i> all the Lord delivered me.   12 Yea, and all that
will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.   13
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and
being deceived.   14 But continue thou in the things which
thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou
hast learned <i>them;</i>   15 And that from a child thou hast
known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.   16 All
scripture <i>is</i> given by inspiration of God, and <i>is</i>
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness:   17 That the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p8">Here the apostle, to confirm Timothy in
that way wherein he walked,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p9">I. Sets before him his own example, which
Timothy had been an eye-witness of, having long attended Paul
(<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.10" parsed="|2Tim|3|10|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>): <i>Thou
hast fully known my doctrine.</i> The more fully we know the
doctrine of Christ and the apostles, the more closely we shall
cleave to it; the reason why many sit loose to it is because they
do not fully know it. Christ's apostles had no enemies but those
who did not know them, or not know them fully; those who knew them
best loved and honoured them the most. Now what is it that Timothy
had so fully known in Paul? 1. The doctrine that he preached. Paul
kept back nothing from his hearers, but declared to them the whole
counsel of God (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Acts.20.27" parsed="|Acts|20|27|0|0" passage="Ac 20:27">Acts xx.
27</scripRef>), so that if it were not their own fault they might
fully know it. Timothy had a great advantage in being trained up
under such a tutor, and being apprised of the doctrine he preached.
2. He had fully known his conversation: <i>Thou hast fully know my
doctrine, and manner of life;</i> his manner of life was of a piece
with his doctrine, and did not contradict it. He did not pull down
by his living what he built up by his preaching. Those ministers
are likely to do good, and leave lasting fruits of their labours,
whose manner of life agrees with their doctrine; as, on the
contrary, those cannot expect to profit the people at all that
preach well and live ill. 3. Timothy fully knew what was the great
thing that Paul had in view, both in his preaching and in his
conversation: "Thou hast known <i>my purpose,</i> what I drive at,
how far it is from any worldly, carnal, secular design, and how
sincerely I aim at the glory of God and the good of the souls of
men." 4. Timothy fully knew Paul's good character, which he might
gather from his doctrine, manner of life, and purpose; for he gave
proofs of his <i>faith</i> (that is, of his integrity and fidelity,
or his faith in Christ, his faith concerning another world, by
which Paul lived), his <i>long-suffering</i> towards the churches
to which he preached and over which he presided, his <i>charity</i>
towards all men, and his <i>patience.</i> These were graces that
Paul was eminent for, and Timothy knew it. 5. He knew that he had
suffered ill for doing well (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.11" parsed="|2Tim|3|11|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:11"><i>v.</i>
11</scripRef>): "Thou hast fully known the <i>persecutions and
afflictions that came unto me</i>" (he mentions those only which
happened to him while Timothy was with him, <i>at Antioch, at
Iconium, at Lystra</i>); "and therefore let it be no surprise to
thee if thou suffer hard things, it is no more than I have endured
before." 6. He knew what care God had taken of him:
<i>Notwithstanding out of them all the Lord delivered me;</i> as he
never failed his cause, so his God never failed him. Thou hast
fully known my <i>afflictions.</i> When we know the afflictions of
good people but in part, they are a temptation to us to decline
that cause which they suffer for; when we know only the hardships
they undergo for Christ, we may be ready to say, "We will renounce
that cause that is likely to cost us so dear in the owning of it;"
but when we <i>fully</i> know the afflictions, not only how they
suffer, but how they are supported and comforted under their
sufferings, then, instead of being discouraged, we shall be
animated by them, especially considering that we are told before
that we must count upon such things (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p9.4" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.12" parsed="|2Tim|3|12|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>): <i>All that will live godly in
Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution:</i> not always alike; at
that time those who professed the faith of Christ were more exposed
to persecution than at other times; but at all times, more or less,
those who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
They must expect to be despised, and that their religion will stand
in the way of their preferment; those who will live godly must
expect it, especially those who will live godly <i>in Christ
Jesus,</i> that is, according to the strict rules of the Christian
religion, those who will wear the livery and bear the name of the
crucified Redeemer. All who will show their religion in their
conversation, who will not only be godly, but live godly, let them
expect persecution, especially when they are resolute in it.
Observe, (1.) The apostle's life was very exemplary for three
things: for his <i>doctrine,</i> which was according to the will of
God; for his <i>life,</i> which was agreeable to his doctrine; and
for his <i>persecutions and sufferings.</i> (2.) Though his life
was a life of great usefulness, yet it was a life of great
sufferings; and none, I believe, came nearer to their great Master
for eminent services and great sufferings than Paul: he suffered
almost in every place; the Holy Ghost witnessed that bonds and
afflictions did abide him, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p9.5" osisRef="Bible:Acts.20.23" parsed="|Acts|20|23|0|0" passage="Ac 20:23">Acts xx.
23</scripRef>. Here he mentions his persecutions and afflictions at
<i>Antioch,</i> at <i>Iconium,</i> at <i>Lystra,</i> besides what
he suffered elsewhere. (3.) The apostle mentions the Lord's
delivering him out of them all, for Timothy's and our encouragement
under sufferings. (4.) We have the practice and treatment of true
Christians: they live godly in Jesus Christ—this is their
practice; and they shall suffer persecution—this is the usage they
must expect in this world.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p10">II. He warns Timothy of the fatal end of
seducers, as a reason why he should stick closely to the truth as
it is in Jesus: <i>But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and
worse,</i> &amp;c., <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.13" parsed="|2Tim|3|13|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:13"><i>v.</i>
13</scripRef>. Observe, As good men, by the grace of God, grow
better and better, so bad men, through the subtlety of Satan and
the power of their own corruptions, grow worse and worse. The way
of sin is down-hill; for such proceed from bad to worse,
<i>deceiving and being deceived.</i> Those who deceive others do
but deceive themselves; those who draw others into error run
themselves into more and more mistakes, and they will find it so at
last, to their cost.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p11">III. He directs him to keep close to a good
education, and particularly to what he had learned out of the holy
scriptures (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.14-2Tim.3.15" parsed="|2Tim|3|14|3|15" passage="2Ti 3:14,15"><i>v.</i> 14,
15</scripRef>): <i>Continue thou in the things which thou hast
learned.</i> Note, It is not enough to learn that which is good,
but we must continue in it, and persevere in it unto the end. Then
are we Christ's disciples indeed, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:John.8.31" parsed="|John|8|31|0|0" passage="Joh 8:31">John
viii. 31</scripRef>. We should not be any more <i>children, tossed
to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the
sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to
deceive,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Eph.4.14" parsed="|Eph|4|14|0|0" passage="Eph 4:14">Eph. iv. 14</scripRef>.
<i>Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines; for it
is a good thing that the heart be established with grace,</i>
<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.13.9" parsed="|Heb|13|9|0|0" passage="Heb 13:9">Heb. xiii. 9</scripRef>. And for this
reason we should continue in the things we have learned from the
holy scriptures; not that we ought to continue in any errors and
mistakes which we may have been led into, in the time of our
childhood and youth (for these, upon an impartial enquiry and full
conviction, we should forsake); but this makes nothing against our
continuing in those things which the holy scriptures plainly
assert, and which he that runs may read. If Timothy would adhere to
the truth as he had been taught it, this would arm him against the
snares and insinuations of seducers. Observe, Timothy must
<i>continue in the things which he had learned and had been assured
of.</i></p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p12">1. It is a great happiness to know the
certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Luke.1.4" parsed="|Luke|1|4|0|0" passage="Lu 1:4">Luke i. 4</scripRef>); not only to know what the
truths are, but to know that they are of undoubted certainty. What
we have learned we must labour to be more and more assured of,
that, being grounded in the truth, we may be guarded against error,
for certainty in religion is of great importance and advantage:
<i>Knowing,</i> (1.) "That thou hast had good teachers. Consider of
<i>whom thou hast learned them;</i> not of evil men and seducers,
but good men, who had themselves experienced the power of the
truths they taught thee, and been ready to suffer for them, and
thereby would give the fullest evidence of their belief of these
truths." (2.) "Knowing especially the firm foundation upon which
thou hast built, namely, that of the scripture (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.15" parsed="|2Tim|3|15|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>): <i>That from a child thou hast
known the holy scriptures.</i>"</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p13">2. Those who would acquaint themselves with
the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the holy
scriptures, for these are the summary of divine revelation.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p14">3. It is a great happiness to know the holy
scriptures from our childhood; and children should betimes get the
knowledge of the scriptures. The age of children is the learning
age; and those who would get true learning must get it out of the
scriptures.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p15">4. The scriptures we are to know are the
holy scriptures; they come from the holy God, were delivered by
holy men, contain holy precepts, treat of holy things, and were
designed to make us holy and to lead us in the way of holiness to
happiness; being called the <i>holy scriptures,</i> they are by
this distinguished from profane writings of all sorts, and from
those that only treat morality, and common justice and honesty, but
do not meddle with holiness. If we would know the holy scriptures,
we must read and search them daily, as the noble Bereans did,
<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Acts.17.11" parsed="|Acts|17|11|0|0" passage="Ac 17:11">Acts xvii. 11</scripRef>. They must
not lie by us neglected, and seldom or never looked into. Now here
observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p16">(1.) What is the excellency of the
scripture. It is <i>given by inspiration of God</i> (<scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.16" parsed="|2Tim|3|16|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>), and therefore is his
word. It is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as
infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us
breathes revelation among us: <i>For the prophecy came not in old
time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or
carried forth by the Holy Ghost,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:2Pet.1.21" parsed="|2Pet|1|21|0|0" passage="2Pe 1:21">2
Pet. i. 21</scripRef>. The prophets and apostles did not speak from
themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered
unto us. That the scripture was given by inspiration of God appears
from the majesty of its style,—from the truth, purity, and
sublimity, of the doctrines contained in it,—from the harmony of
its several parts,—from its power and efficacy on the minds of
multitudes that converse with it,—from the accomplishment of many
prophecies relating to things beyond all human foresight,—and from
the uncontrollable miracles that were wrought in proof of its
divine original: <i>God also bearing them witness, both with signs
and wonders, and with divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Ghost,
according to his own will,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.2.4" parsed="|Heb|2|4|0|0" passage="Heb 2:4">Heb. ii.
4</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p17">(2.) What use it will be of to us. [1.]
<i>It is able to make us wise to salvation;</i> that is, it is a
sure guide in our way to eternal life. Note, Those are wise indeed
who are wise to salvation. The scriptures are able to make us truly
wise, wise for our souls and another world. "To make thee wise to
salvation <i>through faith.</i>" Observe, The scriptures will make
us wise to salvation, if they be mixed with faith, and not
otherwise, <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Heb.4.2" parsed="|Heb|4|2|0|0" passage="Heb 4:2">Heb. iv. 2</scripRef>. For,
if we do not believe their truth and goodness, they will do us no
good. [2.] It is <i>profitable</i> to us for all the purposes of
the Christian life, <i>for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness.</i> It answers all the ends of
divine revelation. It instructs us in that which is true, reproves
us for that which is amiss, directs us in that which is good. It is
of use to all, for we all need to be instructed, corrected, and
reproved: it is of special use to ministers, who are to give
instruction, correction, and reproof; and whence can they fetch it
better than from the scripture? [3.] <i>That the man of God may be
perfect,</i> <scripRef id="iiTim.iv-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:2Tim.3.17" parsed="|2Tim|3|17|0|0" passage="2Ti 3:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>.
The Christian, the minister, is the man of God. That which finishes
a man of God in this world is the scripture. By it we are
<i>thoroughly furnished for every good work.</i> There is that in
the scripture which suits every case. Whatever duty we have to do,
whatever service is required from us, we may find enough in the
scriptures to furnish us for it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiTim.iv-p18">(3.) On the whole we here see, [1.] That
the scripture has various uses, and answers divers ends and
purposes: <i>It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction</i> of all errors in judgment and practice, and <i>for
instruction in righteousness.</i> [2.] The scripture is a perfect
rule of faith and practice, and was designed for the man of God,
the minister as well as the Christian who is devoted to God, for it
is <i>profitable for doctrine,</i> &amp;c. [3.] If we consult the
scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its
directions, we shall be made men of God, <i>perfect, and thoroughly
furnished to every good work.</i> [4.] There is no occasion for the
writings of the philosopher, nor for rabbinical fables, nor popish
legends, nor unwritten traditions, to make us perfect men of God,
since the scripture answers all these ends and purposes. O that we
may love our Bibles more, and keep closer to them than ever! and
then shall we find the benefit and advantage designed thereby, and
shall at last attain the happiness therein promised and assured to
us.</p>
</div></div2>