2 Thessalonians 3:2

DISCOURSE: 2217
ALL MEN HAVE NOT FAITH

2 Thessalonians 3:2. All men have not faith.

IF we considered the condition of fallen man, and the merciful provision which God has made for him in the Gospel of his Son, we should think it impossible for any one, who heard the glad tidings of salvation proclaimed to him, not to embrace the offers of mercy, and to bless God for such a marvellous dispensation of his grace. But the fact is, that there is no other thing in the whole world so hated and despised as this very Gospel. Persons of every description combine against it. To the Jews it is a stumbling-block, and to the Greeks foolishness: and multitudes, even of those who profess to receive the sacred records as inspired, are found amongst the enemies of the Gospel: for, as the Apostle justly says, “all men have not faith.”
Let me,

I. Shew to whom this charge applies—

It doubtless comprehended, in the first instance, the Jews, who professed to believe in the One true God. And it also referred to those who, whilst they ostensibly embraced the faith of Christ, were, in reality, no better than hypocrites; deceiving others, and deceiving also their own souls.
Amongst those who have not faith, we may fitly number,

1. Infidels—

[The very term Infidel does, in fact, imply this. Not but that persons of this description would be grievously offended, if you should represent them as no Christians. Yet it is, in fact, their character: for, in holding up to derision the great truths of revelation, they shew, beyond all doubt, that they possess not the faith of Christ.]

2. Formalists—

[These take credit to themselves as having attained a high degree of righteousness. But, whilst they “go about to establish a righteousness of their own, instead of submitting to the righteousness of God which is by faith in Christ [Note: Romans 10:2],” they shew, that they have no just views of the Saviour’s office, or of the salvation which he has wrought out for us by his own obedience unto death. The Gospel which they maintain is “another Gospel [Note: Galatians 1:6.];” and not that which Christ has revealed, and which his Apostles preached.]

3. Hypocrites—

[How many of these do we read of in the sacred records; men who, having “a form of godliness, denied the power thereof [Note: 2 Timothy 3:5.]!” Of such St. Jude speaks; saying, “Clouds are they without water, carried about of winds; trees, whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever [Note: Jude, ver. 12, 13.].”]

If it be thought hard to say, of all these persons, that they have not faith, I will,

II.

Adduce evidence in confirmation of it—

Amongst the persons that have been specified, not a few are “unreasonable and wicked men”—
[All of them will, more or less, unite in reviling and persecuting the Gospel of Christ. Though there is no other point in which they are agreed, they will stand together readily and harmoniously upon this ground. Who were greater enemies to the Gospel than “the false brethren” whom St. Paul enumerates among the catalogue of those who sought his life [Note: 2 Corinthians 11:26.]? That a profligate and abandoned rabble should seek to destroy him, we do not wonder [Note: Acts 17:5.]: but that “devout and honourable women” should lend themselves as instruments to persecute him, we should scarcely conceive, did we not know it as a fact recorded by the inspiration of God [Note: Acts 13:50.]. But the truth is, that no persons under heaven are more adverse to the pure doctrines of the Gospel, and to those who preach it, than the self-righteous Pharisees. The conduct of Paul, previous to his conversion, fully evinces this [Note: Galatians 1:13.]; and the experience of the Church, in all ages, bears witness to it.]

But the true believer is the very reverse of these—
[Compare him with the Infidel.—A man who believes in Christ cannot make the truths of revelation a subject of profane mockery: no; he reverences the word of God, and “trembles at it;” and is as much assured, as he is of his own existence, that every jot and tittle of it shall be fulfilled in its season.

Compare him with the Formalist.—The believer in Christ, so far from seeing any thing of merit in himself, is humbled in the dust, under a sense of his own demerit; and, renouncing utterly all dependence on himself, he looks for salvation simply and entirely through Christ alone.

Compare him with the Hypocrite.—The believer endeavours as much to fulfil the law, as if he thought he was to be saved by his obedience to it. Could he attain his heart’s desire, he would “stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”

Compare him with the “unreasonable and wicked” Persecutor.—The true Christian has received “a spirit of love, and of power, and of a sound mind:” and, so far from wishing to obstruct the Gospel by an envious opposition to those who are more distinguished than himself, he esteems himself “less than the least of all saints,” and rejoices in all the good that is done by God’s most-favoured servants. Whether, therefore, we view the unbeliever as he is in himself, or as contrasted with a believing soul, the truth of the Apostle’s assertion will be placed beyond a doubt.]

Application—
1.

“Examine carefully, whether ye be in the faith” — — —

2. Be careful, also, to shew “forth your faith by your works” — — —