LIFE AND DOCTRINE
‘Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.’
Two outstanding things are to be noted in the text:—
I. The connection between our doctrine and ourselves.—‘Take heed unto thyself and unto thy doctrine.’
II. The connection between two great results.—‘So shalt thou save thyself and them that hear thee.’
That is not the order in which we might put those two pairs of things. Take heed, O teacher, father, mother, counsellor, to thyself, and then to thy doctrine. Take heed in order that thou mayest save thyself.
Illustration
‘While our doctrine is that by which we influence others, the best way to keep our doctrine true and right is to look after our own heart. Salvation—“save thyself.” What does that mean? Take measures to cultivate submission to God, acceptance of an atonement that shall exempt you from hell hereafter. Do you call that saving yourself? Oh, no; the real salvation that Jesus Christ came and died to give to you and me is a salvation here and now, to-day in your house, among your children, in your heart.’