_Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times._ A GREAT HERESY “The Spirit” referred to is unquestionably the Holy Spirit of God, who had been promised to the Church as its abiding teacher and comforter. In all their agencies and appointments the apostles sought His direction. It some... [ Continue Reading ]
_For every creature of God is good._ OUR CHARTER OF FREEDOM In meeting the heresy which he foresaw, the apostle asserted one of the noblest principles in our heritage as Christians: “Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it be received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified... [ Continue Reading ]
_If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things._ COUNSELS TO GOD’S SERVANTS The wise counsels given here to Timothy have their value in every age, and in every land, for those who are called upon to teach and warn their fellows. I. Make known the truth, and the truth will strengthen you... [ Continue Reading ]
_And exercise thyself rather unto godliness._ THE BELIEVER EXERCISING HIMSELF UNTO GODLINESS I. The nature of the duty which the text recommends. 1. This duty includes a strict and impartial inquiry into our own hearts, as to what may be therein likely to prevent our advancement in godliness. 2.... [ Continue Reading ]
_For bodily exercise profiteth little; but godliness is profitable unto all things._ THE PROFIT OF GODLINESS Not only is this the testimony of a great man, but the testimony of a good man, the testimony of a Christian man; a man, therefore, who had experience as to the utility of that concerning w... [ Continue Reading ]
_We both labour and suffer reproach._ TRUST IN GOD THE SUPPORT OF CHRISTIANS IN THEIR LABOURS AND SUFFERINGS I. The course pursued by the apostle and his brethren was one of labors and sufferings. If we must be reproached, let us not be reproached for evil-doing, but for well-doing: let us not hav... [ Continue Reading ]
_These things command and teach._ CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CHRISTIAN TEACHER With true affection, and with heavenly wisdom, Paul exhorts his son in the faith to be mindful of his conduct and character. Here, as well as elsewhere, the apostle exhorts to-- I. The maintenance of moral dignity. 1. The... [ Continue Reading ]
_Give attendance to reading._ LECTURE ON READING I. First, the choice of books. In this there is a great need of caution; particularly in the spring season of life, while the mental and moral habits are yet in a process of formation. A person may be ruined by reading a single volume. It is a maxim,... [ Continue Reading ]
_Neglect not the gift that is in thee._ AN ORDINATION CHARGE If the supernatural gifts with which Timothy was endowed were in danger of suffering injury from the neglect of the zealous, ardent, devoted evangelist, how much greater is your danger of neglecting the gift that is in you, and of sufferi... [ Continue Reading ]
_Give thyself wholly to them._ MINISTERS WHOLLY GIVEN TO THEIR WORK I. That ministers must give themselves wholly to their work by giving their hearts to it. NO man over gives himself wholly to any business to which his heart is opposed. Paul gave his heart so much to the ministry, as to esteem it... [ Continue Reading ]
_Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine._ THE COMPARATIVE INFLUENCE OF CHARACTER AND DOCTRINE In counselling his friend and follower as to the best method of doing good in the sphere of duty allotted to him, the apostle seems here to lay the chief stress, not on doctrine or teaching, but on... [ Continue Reading ]