2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. NEVERTHELESS. Notwithstanding the subversion of their faith, 'the firm foundation of (i:e., laid by) God standeth' fast [ ho (G3588) stereos (G4731) themelios (G2310) tou (G3588) Theou (G2316) hesteeken (G2476): the English version would require ho (G3588)...

19_Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth firm_. We know too well, by experience, how much scandal is produced by the apostasy of those who at one time professed the same faith with ourselves. This is especially the case with those who were extensively known, and who had a more brilliant reputation than others; for, if any of the common people apostatize, we are not so deeply affected by it. But they who in the ordinary opinion of men held a distinguished rank, having been formerly regarded as pillars, cannot fall in this manner, without involving others in the same ruin with themselves; at least, if their faith has no other support. This is the subject which Paul has now in hand; for he declares that there is no reason why believers should lose heart, although they see those persons fall, whom they were wont to reckon the strongest. He makes use of this consolation, that the levity...

14-21 Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church of Christ is like a dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth. When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be dest...

Verse 19. _THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SURE_] The word θεμελιος signifies literally a _foundation_, and especially the _foundation_ of a _building_; and metaphorically, the _building_ itself, and often a _noble mansion_ or _palace_. In this place the apostle compares the religion of Christ to a _great_ or _noble_ _mansion_. See 2 Timothy 2:20. And as this religion is _founded_ on the _authority_ and _power_ of the _Almighty_, it necessarily must _stand sure_ and be _permanent_. This house has an _inscription_ on it, for so σφραγις, _seal_, is frequently understood; and this is evidently an allusion to the ancient temples. Above the door of the temple of Delphi there was the Greek word ει _thou art_, on which Plutarch has written an express treatise. In many of the Mohammedan mosques the...

NEVERTHELESS THE FOUNDATION OF GOD IS SURE - Margin, “steady.” The meaning is, that though some had been turned away by the arts of these errorists, yet the foundation of the church which God had laid remained firm; compare Ephesians 2:20, “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” As long as this foundation remained firm, there was no reason to be troubled from the few instances of apostasy which had occurred; compare Psalms 11:3. It is not uncommon to compare the church to a building erected on a solid foundation; Ephesians 2:20;...

EXPOSITION 2 TIMOTHY 2:1 _Child _for _son_, A.V.; _strengthened _for _strong, _A.V. BE STRENGTHENED (ἐνδυναμοῦ)_; _more exactly (as Huther), _become strong, _or, which is the same thing, _strengthen thyself; _implying, perhaps, though gently expressed, some previous weakness, as m Hebrews 11:34, "From weakness were made strong;" where the image seems to be that of recovery from sickness. In Ephesians 6:10, however (ἐνδυναμοῦσθε ἐν Κυρίῳ), there is no evidence of preceding weakness, but only a call to use the strength they had; and it may be so here too. The strength, Timothy is reminded, by which he was to f

NEVERTHELESS, THE FOUNDATION OF GOD STANDETH SURE,.... That faith, which is the faith of God's elect, is of the operation of God, and is the gift of his grace, and of which Christ is the author and finisher, is firm and immovable as a foundation; it is solid and substantial; it is the substance of things hoped for; and it is permanent and abiding; it stands sure, being supported by the power of God, and prevalent mediation of Jesus Christ; and so cannot be overthrown by false teachers, when an historical faith, or the faith of temporary believers may: or the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead is here meant, which was said to be past by the above false teachers; which is a fundamental doctrine of the Gospel, without which the preaching of it is vain, and faith is vain; and which is a doctrine of God, of pure revelation; and this will be effected by his power: this stands sure upon t...

2 Timothy 2:15. _Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth._ This is a metaphor taken from the action of the priest at the sacrifice. The priest cut up the bullock, and then laid it in its different pieces according to order. Or, as some think, it is taken from the part of the father at the table, when he carves the meat and gives to every child its portion. Old Master Trapp says that «there are some ministers who are only fit to be Gibeonites and certainly not to be Levites, for they hardly understand the cutting of wood, much less the art of cutting up the sacrifice of God.» Brethren, it is well so to handle the word as to be able to give rebuke when rebuke is wanted, exhortation when it is needed, and comfort when consolation is required, for otherwise we do mischief. As it is said in the old fable

LORD Jehovah. (Numbers 16:5)....

II. FAITH'S CONFLICT AND THE BELIEVER'S PATH CHAPTER 2 _ 1. The apostle's charge (2 Timothy 2:1)_ 2. As soldier and husbandman (2 Timothy 2:3) 3. Identification with Christ (2 Timothy 2:8) 4. Exhortation and warning (2 Timothy 2:14) 5. The great House (2 Timothy 2:19) 6. The believer's path (2 Timothy 2:23) 2 T