he apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the
gospel. (1-9) Proposes his own example to Timothy. (10-13) And
exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the
Holy Scriptures. (14-17)
Verses 1-9: Even in gospel times there would be perilous times; on
account of persecution from without, still more on account of
corruptions within. Men love to gratify their own lusts, more
than to please God and do their duty. When every man is eager
for what he can get, and anxious to keep what he has, this makes
men dangerous to one another. When men do not fear God, they
will not regard man. When children are disobedient to their
parents, that makes the times perilous. Men are unholy and
without the fear of God, because unthankful for the mercies of
God. We abuse God's gifts, if we make them the food and fuel of
our lusts. Times are perilous also, when parents are without
natural affection to children. And when men have no rule over
their own spirits, but despise that which is good and to be
honoured. God is to be loved above all; but a carnal mind, full
of enmity against him, prefers any thing before him, especially
carnal pleasure. A form of godliness is very different from the
power; from such as are found to be hypocrites, real Christians
must withdraw. Such persons have been found within the outward
church, in every place, and at all times. There ever have been
artful men, who, by pretences and flatteries, creep into the
favour and confidence of those who are too easy of belief,
ignorant, and fanciful. All must be ever learning to know the
Lord; but these follow every new notion, yet never seek the
truth as it is in Jesus. Like the Egyptian magicians, these were
men of corrupt minds, prejudiced against the truth, and found to
be quite without faith. Yet though the spirit of error may be
let loose for a time, Satan can deceive the nations and the
churches no further, and no longer, than God will permit.
Verses 10-13: The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ, as taught
by the apostles, the more closely we shall cleave to it. When we
know the afflictions of believers only in part, they tempt us to
decline the cause for which they suffer. A form of godliness, a
profession of Christian faith without a godly life, often is
allowed to pass, while open profession of the truth as it is in
Jesus, and resolute attention to the duties of godliness, stir
up the scorn and enmity of the world. As good men, by the grace
of God, grow better, so bad men, through the craft of Satan, and
the power of their own corruptions, grow worse. The way of sin
is down-hill; such go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being
deceived. Those who deceive others, deceive themselves, as they
will find at last, to their cost. The history of the outward
church, awfully shows that the apostle spake this as he was
moved by the Holy Ghost.
Verses 14-17: Those who would learn the things of God, and be assured
of them, must know the Holy Scriptures, for they are the Divine
revelation. The age of children is the age to learn; and those
who would get true learning, must get it out of the Scriptures.
They must not lie by us neglected, seldom or never looked into.
The Bible is a sure guide to eternal life. The prophets and
apostles did not speak from themselves, but delivered what they
received of God, (2Pe 1:21). It is profitable for all purposes
of the Christian life. It is of use to all, for all need to be
taught, corrected, and reproved. There is something in the
Scriptures suitable for every case. Oh that we may love our
Bibles more, and keep closer to them! then shall we find
benefit, and at last gain the happiness therein promised by
faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the main subject of both
Testaments. We best oppose error by promoting a solid knowledge
of the word of truth; and the greatest kindness we can do to
children, is to make them early to know the Bible.
he apostle foretells the rise of dangerous enemies to the
gospel. (1-9) Proposes his own example to Timothy. (10-13) And
exhorts him to continue in the doctrine he had learned from the
Holy Scriptures. (14-17)