he duties which become sound doctrine. (1-8) Believing
servants must be obedient. (9,10) All is enforced from the holy
design of the gospel, which concerns all believers. (11-15)
Verses 1-8: Old disciples of Christ must behave in every thing
agreeably to the Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober;
not thinking that the decays of nature will justify any excess;
but seeking comfort from nearer communion with God, not from any
undue indulgence. Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of
God for himself, and of men for God's sake. Aged persons are apt
to be peevish and fretful; therefore need to be on their guard.
Though there is not express Scripture for every word, or look,
yet there are general rules, according to which all must be
ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet; for many expose
themselves to fatal temptations by what at first might be only
want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of God
may not be blasphemed. Failures in duties greatly reproach
Christianity. Young men are apt to be eager and thoughtless,
therefore must be earnestly called upon to be sober-minded:
there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other
sin. Every godly man's endeavour must be to stop the mouths of
adversaries. Let thine own conscience answer for thine
uprightness. What a glory is it for a Christian, when that mouth
which would fain open itself against him, cannot find any evil
in him to speak of!
Verse 9,10: Servants must know and do their duty to their earthly
masters, with a reference to their heavenly one. In serving an
earthly master according to Christ's will, He is served; such
shall be rewarded by him. Not giving disrespectful or provoking
language; but to take a check or reproof with silence, not
making confident or bold replies. When conscious of a fault, to
excuse or justify it, doubles it. Never putting to their own use
that which is their master's, nor wasting the goods they are
trusted with. Showing all good fidelity to improve a master's
goods, and promote his thriving. If ye have not been faithful in
that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is
your own? (Lu 16:12). True religion is an honour to the
professors of it; and they should adorn it in all things.
Verses 11-15: The doctrine of grace and salvation by the gospel, is for
all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches to forsake sin; to
have no more to do with it. An earthly, sensual conversation
suits not a heavenly calling. It teaches to make conscience of
that which is good. We must look to God in Christ, as the object
of our hope and worship. A gospel conversation must be a godly
conversation. See our duty in a very few words; denying
ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and
godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations, corrupt
examples, ill usage, and what remains of sin in the believer's
heart, with all their hinderances. It teaches to look for the
glories of another world. At, and in, the glorious appearing of
Christ, the blessed hope of Christians will be complete: To
bring us to holiness and happiness was the end of Christ's
death. Jesus Christ, that great God and our Saviour, who saves
not only as God, much less as Man alone; but as God-man, two
natures in one person. He loved us, and gave himself for us; and
what can we do less than love and give up ourselves to him!
Redemption from sin and sanctification of the nature go
together, and make a peculiar people unto God, free from guilt
and condemnation, and purified by the Holy Spirit. All Scripture
is profitable. Here is what will furnish for all parts of duty,
and the right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our
whole dependence is placed upon that grace which saves the lost,
pardons the guilty, and sanctifies the unclean. And the further
we are removed from boasting of fancied good works, or trusting
in them, so that we glory in Christ alone, the more zealous
shall we be to abound in real good works.
he duties which become sound doctrine. (1-8) Believing
servants must be obedient. (9,10) All is enforced from the holy
design of the gospel, which concerns all believers. (11-15)