CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2 Timothy 2:19. The foundation of God standeth sure.—R.V. “the firm foundation of God standeth.” St. Paul’s one foundation is Jesus Christ in His complete character and work. Having this seal.—Probably in allusion to the practice of engraving inscriptions over doors and on pillars and foundations.
2 Timothy 2:20. Of earth.—Of burnt clay. St. Paul says God’s treasure is entrusted to earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7).
2 Timothy 2:21. Purge himself from these.—The form of the word “purge” is intensive, as Chrysostom noted: “He said not cleanse, but cleanse out, that is cleanse absolutely.” It is no indifferent reform that will please St. Paul, but reform altogether, like Hamlet’s. Meet for the master’s use.—Fit for using by the master of the house.
2 Timothy 2:22. Youthful lusts.—Pertaining to youth and characteristic of it. “Effeminate luxury, immoderate laughter [pleasure], empty honour, and suchlike things” (Theodoret). Follow righteousness.—As in 1 Timothy 6:11, the apostle warns Timothy to flee from some things and follow others, so he does here. With them that call on the Lord.—The question here is whether Timothy is to follow righteousness, etc., with them, or whether he is to adopt a pacific course towards those who call, etc. With Hebrews 12:14 in view, perhaps the view of Ellicott and Huther that the latter is the meaning is the better.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Timothy 2:19-22
The Security and Purity of the Church.
I. The Church is Divinely founded.—“The foundation of God standeth sure” (2 Timothy 2:19). Or, according to R.V., “Howbeit the firm foundation of God standeth.” The Church is secure because it rests on God: no other foundation could bear the magnificent superstructure which is being built upon it. There is a story told of Julian the Apostate that, in his youth, he tried to raise a memorial shrine to the holy Mamas; but as he built, the earth at the foundation crumbled—God and the holy martyr refusing to accept the labour and offering of his hands. It is a significant allegory of men who toil and build on rotten and insecure foundations.
II. The Church has a Divine and a human aspect.—
1. The Divine aspect. This is indicated in the inscription, “The Lord knoweth them that are His” (2 Timothy 2:19). The members of the Church live in different ages, in different climes, among different nationalities, and in varying conditions; but the Lord knows them all, and each one has his place in the grand Divine commonwealth. The omniscient God is the strength and comfort of His Church. 2. The human aspect. “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19). The Lord recognises as His only those who are holy. Some seventy years after Pentecost the veil is lifted by the hand of a Roman statesman from the comparative obscurity of the Christian Church, and discloses an army of soldiers of the cross whose bond of union is still stamped conspicuously with the apostolic seal, “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” At the commencement of the second century Pliny reports to Trajan, as the result of what he could extort from the Christians in his province, “that this was the sum of their fault or error, that they were wont to meet together on a stated day before sunrise and sing a hymn to Christ as God, and bind themselves by a sacramentum that they would not commit theft or robbery or adultery, that they would not break faith nor repudiate a trust.” A memorable record! honourable to the Roman to whose impartial accuracy it is due, as well as to the Church whose clear and simple character it reflects, and more precious, alike in its historical and in its practical instruction, than many a famous volume (Wace).
III. The grade of membership in the Church depends on moral character (2 Timothy 2:20).—As in a great house there are vessels of gold and silver, and wood and earth—their use being according to their quality—so in the Church every member has his place and use. “The ark of Noah is a type of the Church: as in the former there were together the leopard and the kid, the wolf and the lamb, so in the latter the righteous and sinners, vessels of gold and silver, with vessels of wood and earth” (Jerome). The distinguishing feature in the Church is not wealth, ability, or social distinction, but holiness.
IV. High moral character qualifies for exalted service in the Church (2 Timothy 2:21).—Paul was himself a vessel of honour: once among those of wood and of earth, he afterwards became by grace one of gold. Full out-and-out consecration to God is the qualification for noblest work. God entrusts His loftiest missions to His holiest servants.
V. The Church demands purity in all its members (2 Timothy 2:22).—Especially are youthful lusts to be shunned. There are some temptations which are best conquered by flight. The graces of righteousness, faith, charity, must be followed in “peace with all that call upon God out of a pure heart.” The Church is the centre of peace and purity.
Lessons.—
1. The Church is dear to God.
2. The Church is a witness for God.
3. The Church is powerful only as it is pure.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2 Timothy 2:19. Christians must forsake Evil.
I. Those described.—“Every one that nameth the name of Christ.”—
1. To name the name of Christ is to accept Him.
2. To profess Him openly.
3. To be identified with Him.
II. The command.—“Depart from iniquity.”
1. Because a departure from iniquity is involved in accepting Christ.
2. Because otherwise we must be involved in the deepest guilt.
3. Because we must be acting a part characterised by the vilest hypocrisy.
4. Because in Christ there is grace and strength to obey this command.—Stewart.
The Foundation of God.
I. The Lord knoweth them that are His.—
1. As redeemed by Him.
2. By the Spirit’s work in them.
3. By the need they have of Him.
4. By the love they bear Him.
5. By the work they do for Him.
6. By their suffering for and with Him.
7. As waiting for Him.
II. Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.—
1. Naming the name of Christ comes before departing from iniquity.
2. Is to be followed by departing from iniquity.
3. Naming the name of Christ and departing from iniquity thus go together.—R. S. Candlish.
2 Timothy 2:21. Fit for the Master’s Service.
I. There are some in the Church the Master cannot use because they are not fit for service.—
1. Because they hold false doctrines.
2. Because they are given to vain babblings.
II. What constitutes fitness for Christ’s service?—
1. Uprightness of character.
2. Fidelity to duty.
3. Love.
4. Peace.—Lay Preacher.