he duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other
masters. (1-5) The advantage of godliness with contentment.
(6-10) A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful. (11-16) The
apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a
blessing. (17-21)
Verses 1-5: Christians were not to suppose that religious knowledge, or
Christian privileges, gave them any right to despise heathen
masters, or to disobey lawful commands, or to expose their
faults to others. And such as enjoyed the privilege of living
with believing masters, were not to withhold due respect and
reverence, because they were equal in respect to religious
privileges, but were to serve with double diligence and
cheerfulness, because of their faith in Christ, and as partakers
of his free salvation. We are not to consent to any words as
wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these
we must give unfeigned consent. Commonly those are most proud
who know least; for they do not know themselves. Hence come
envy, strife, railings, evil-surmisings, disputes that are all
subtlety, and of no solidity, between men of corrupt and carnal
minds, ignorant of the truth and its sanctifying power, and
seeking their worldly advantage.
Verses 6-10: Those that make a trade of Christianity to serve their
turn for this world, will be disappointed; but those who mind it
as their calling, will find it has the promise of the life that
now is, as well as of that which is to come. He that is godly,
is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his
condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly
people are content. When brought into the greatest straits, we
cannot be poorer than when we came into this world; a shroud, a
coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world
can have from all his wealth. If nature should be content with a
little, grace should be content with less. The necessaries of
life bound a true Christian's desires, and with these he will
endeavour to be content. We see here the evil of covetousness.
It is not said, they that are rich, but they will be rich; who
place their happiness in wealth, and are eager and determined in
the pursuit. Those that are such, give to Satan the opportunity
of tempting them, leading them to use dishonest means, and other
bad practices, to add to their gains. Also, leading into so many
employments, and such a hurry of business, as leave no time or
inclination for spiritual religion; leading to connexions that
draw into sin and folly. What sins will not men be drawn into by
the love of money! People may have money, and yet not love it;
but if they love it, this will push them on to all evil. Every
sort of wickedness and vice, in one way or another, grows from
the love of money. We cannot look around without perceiving many
proofs of this, especially in a day of outward prosperity, great
expenses, and loose profession.
Verses 11-16: It ill becomes any men, but especially men of God, to set
their hearts upon the things of this world; men of God should be
taken up with the things of God. There must be a conflict with
corruption, and temptations, and the powers of darkness. Eternal
life is the crown proposed for our encouragement. We are called
to lay hold thereon. To the rich must especially be pointed out
their dangers and duties, as to the proper use of wealth. But
who can give such a charge, that is not himself above the love
of things that wealth can buy? The appearing of Christ is
certain, but it is not for us to know the time. Mortal eyes
cannot bear the brightness of the Divine glory. None can
approach him except as he is made known unto sinners in and by
Christ. The Godhead is here adored without distinction of
Persons, as all these things are properly spoken, whether of the
Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost. God is revealed to us, only
in and through the human nature of Christ, as the only begotten
Son of the Father.
Verses 17-21: Being rich in this world is wholly different from being
rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth.
Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches;
and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches,
but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them. What is
the best estate worth, more than as it gives opportunity of
doing the more good? Showing faith in Christ by fruits of love,
let us lay hold on eternal life, when the self-indulgent,
covetous, and ungodly around, lift up their eyes in torment.
That learning which opposes the truth of the gospel, is not true
science, or real knowledge, or it would approve the gospel, and
consent to it. Those who advance reason above faith, are in
danger of leaving faith. Grace includes all that is good, and
grace is an earnest, a beginning of glory; wherever God gives
grace, he will give glory.
he duty of Christians towards believing, as well as other
masters. (1-5) The advantage of godliness with contentment.
(6-10) A solemn charge to Timothy to be faithful. (11-16) The
apostle repeats his warning to the rich, and closes with a
blessing. (17-21)