Sermons Volume 4, Sermon on 2 Timothy
A Sermon on 2 TIM. ii.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.
THese Words are brought in to prevent the Scandal which the Godly might take at the falling away of two such Men as Hymeneus and Philetus, who in probability were Men of Note in the Church; for there is not such notice taken of ordinary and mean Persons: Their Error was, they acknowledged only a Metaphorical Resurrection, and so weakened the Comfort of the Faithful. The Scandal which they gave was Threefold; Scandalum Seductionis, Contristationis, Offensionis.
1. There was Scandalum Seductionis; Ver. 18. They overthrow the Faith of some: Fides quae creditur: 'Tis principally meant, They turned them away from the Truth.
2. There was Scandalum Contristationis: They were a great trouble to the Faithful, and weakened their Comfort: As surely it is a mighty disheartening to see such glorious Luminaries fall from Heaven like Lightning. Some think, the main drift of the Text is to comfort them with an hope of Preservation, though these fell away. When others fall, those who are truly the Lord's, and do unfeignedly Dedicate themselves to be his People, shall be preserved by his Power, because the Foundation, or first Stone of this Spiritual Building, was laid in their Election, which is firm and unchangable. I am not against this sense, because I find Election to be made the ground of our standing out in Temptations: Matth. 24.24. Insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very Elect. The Elect cannot possibly be deceived and drawn away from the true Christ, because of the Wisdom, Love, and Power of God ingaged for them: 2 Thess. 2.13. God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the spirit, and belief of the truth. Their Election did secure them from Danmable Errors: I am not against this Truth; yet I think it not the full meaning of this place, though strongly implied in it. Truly the Apostle doth confirm the Hearts of the Faithful in these words, by shewing them their Priviledges, and their Duty: Their Priviledges, when he telleth them, that God knoweth them that are his: Their Duty, when he presseth them to Holiness: Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. The Apostacy of some should excite all to watchfulness▪ …est they be caught in the same Snare. But yet I cannot induce my self to think, that by the Foundation of God is meant his Election; and it is an hard thing to conceive, that a Foundation of a Building should be sealed.
3. There is Scandalum Offensionis: It might make them to slumble, and take Offence, and raise a Scandal of Prejudice, or Doubtfulness at least; First, Against the Truth of the Gospel; Secondly, The Honour of the Church: The later Scandal is obviated in the 20th Verse; But in a great house there are not only Vessels of gold, and of silver, but also of wood, and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. The Carnal and Renewed, the sincerely Godly and the Hypocrites, live together in the Church without any dishonour to the Church, or derogation to God's Providence: As in a great Family there are divers Utensils, some for a nobler, some for a baser use. But the former Scandal against the Truth of the Gospel, which seemed to be weakened in their Minds by this perverse Opinion, that the Resurrection was past, is chiefly obviated in the Text. They denied the future Estate, and so there was no Bliss for them that were persecuted. Now to comfort them, the Apostle telleth them, that God hath a Reward for those that were faithful with him, and that Eternally both in Body and Soul: So that the meaning of, The Foundation of the Lord standeth sure, is, his Obligation and Covenant with them in Christ; and his purpose towards them remains unchangable and firm, because it is sealed on God's part by his Providence; Administring all things for the good of the Elect; on Man's part by their Conscience of their Duty. Nevertheless the foundation of the Lord 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. In the words observe,
First, The Proposition concerning the sureness of God's Covenant, The foundation of the Lord standeth sure.
Secondly, The Confirmation.
1. In General, because it is a sealed Contract.
2. More particularly, from the nature of this Seal, or the double Inscription or Motto of it: It hath an Inscription or Motto agreeing to the condition of the Two Parties contracting.
1. On God's part, The Lord knoweth them that are his: God will be faithful and constant in loving those who are his Servants.
2. On Man's part: Yet we are not to be negligent of our Duty; And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
Doctr. That what ever Errors or Scandals arise in the Church, yet God's purpose, declared in the Gospel, of bringing his peculiar People unto Glory, remaineth firm and steady.
This was the Truth assaulted by this Error, which shaked so many, and this is the Comfort which the Apostle propoundeth to the Disciples and Servants of Christ.
The Point will be made good, by explaining the Circumstances of the Text.
I. The Proposition here asserted; The foundation of the Lord standeth sure. All the business will be to shew, what is the Foundation of God; foreign, Foundation, is taken Sensu forensi, or Architectonico, in the Builder's sense, or in the Lawyer's sense: In the Builder's sense, for the Foundation of an House; In the Lawyer's sense, for the Foundation of an Estate, which I expect from another, upon any Bargain or Contract with him; the Evidences and Deeds of Conveyance are the Foundation which I have to build upon for my Right and Title. Now to take Foundation here in the Builder's sense, would make but an odd Interpretation in this place; who ever heard of the sealing of the Foundation of an House, and Inscriptions on that Seal: And therefore Foundation is taken here for a Covenant, or Bill of Contract; As also, 1 Tim. 6.19. Laying up in store for your selves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. It would be incongruous to take Foundation there in the Builder's sense, as if Good Works were the Foundation of eternal Life: No; they are only the Evidences and Assurances of it: The notion of a Bond or Obligation is more proper. Upon a Contract, I found or build my confidence of expecting Good from another; so, Prov. 19.17. He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given, will he pay him again. Lending noteth some Contract and Promise, and Expectation grounded thereon; so here, The foundation of God is his Bill or Bond, which is as a Pledge, or Security left with us: And thereby is not meant so much God's Eternal Purpose of Election, as his Covenant; that Deed and Instrument of Law, by which he conveyeth Pardon and Life to us. Now this may be considered Two ways; Either as Offered or Applied; either as Externally Preached, according to the Approving or Commanding Will of God; or as Acted, and effectually applied to the Hearts of the Elect, according to the Decree of God. As Offered, so the Proposition asserts the Immutability of the Gospel-Covenant, contrary to the Doctrine and Offence occasioned by these false Teachers. As Applied, so it asserts the Perseverance of the Saints. Both which are confirmed by the Seal annexed; both are contrary to the Scandal offered by these false Teachers: They denied the Resurrection, or Hopes of the other World; God will give the Blessings promised to his People; if they suffer here, or be miserable here, they shall be happy hereafter: The Covenant is applied against the Offence; God would be Faithful, if they would be vigilant; and he would preserve them in a state of Grace, though others did fall away. Well then, the Truth which we are to discuss, is, That God's Covenant will be sure, firm, and stable, to all those that are sincerely entred into the Bond of it. It must needs be so.
1. It is every where sure on God's part: And,
2. He will make it sure on our part: If he will not depart from us, and we shall not depart from him, surely then it is stedfast.
(1.) On God's part there is no danger of failing: There is his eternal Love, back'd with an infinite Power, and engaged by an infallible Truth. God's Love and Mercy were the only Reasons, which ingaged him to make this Covenant with us: The pleasure of his Will gave it a Being, and his Truth is ingaged to make it Good. Micah 7.20. Thou wilt perform the truth to Iacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old. The Promise was out of Mercy given to Abraham, with whom the Covenant was first made; but out of Truth and Fidelity it descended to Iacob, and was established with his Seed. In the managing of the same Covenant, God shewed his Power, Gen. 17.1. I am God all-sufficient! that solved all Difficulties to Abraham. We have the same Grounds to depend upon in the Covenant made with the Christian Church, in the promise of Eternal Life. Surely Christ would not feed us with Chimera's, who was ever plain-hearted, and open with his Disciples: Iohn 14.2. If it were not so, I would have told you. He meaneth as he speaketh, and persisteth in the same mind, and is able to make his Word good. His everlasting Love provided this Happiness for us before the World was: Matth. 25.34. Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come ye blessed of my father! inherit the kingdom, prepared for you from the foundation of the World. So Luke 12.32. Fear not, little flock! it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. It is secured by the promise of the faithful God; and he hath confirmed it by an Oath, Heb. 6.18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lye, we might have strong consolation. Yea, and it is possessed by our Surety and Head in our name, Heb. 6.20. Whither the fore-runner is for us entred, even Iesus, made an High-priest for ever after the order of Melchisedeck. And the Power of God is engaged to prevent the Dangers by the way, 1 Pet. 1.5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Heaven is kept for us, and we for it: Which Power of God is engaged to solve all the Difficulties about the End and Happiness it self, Phil. 3.21. Who shall change our vile bodies, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. So that on God's part it is sure. They that have the Word of the Eternal God to build upon, do build upon a sure Foundation; Psal. 89.34. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. It is compared with the stability of Hills and Mountains, Isa. 54.10. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall never depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. It is compared also with the Covenant of Night and Day, which cannot be disannulled by any Created power: Ier. 31.35, 36. Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the Sun for a light by Day, and the ordinances of the Moon, and of the Stars for a light by Night, which divideth the Sea when the Waves thereof roar, the Lord of Hosts is his name. If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a Nation before me for ever. Jer. 33.20, 21. Thus saith the Lord, if you break my Covenant of the Day, and my Covenant of the Night, and that there should not be Day and Night in their season; Then may also my Covenant be broken with David my Servant.
2. It is secure also on our part where all the danger lyeth, as God will not depart from us, so he will take care we shall not depart from him: So that if once we truly and really enter into Covenant with God, we do not only keep the Covenant, but the Covenant keepeth us. Two things maketh it firm on our parts.
1. Internal Grace vouchsafed and granted to us by promise, Ier. 32.40. And I will make an Everlasting Covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them Good, but I will put my fear in their Hearts, that they shall not depart from me. So Ezek. 36.27. I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my Statutes, and ye shall keep my Iudgments and do them. It doth not hang upon the mutable Motions of the Creatures will.
2. External Providence, or the Provision that is made for failings and slips, where the Heart is sincere for the main. There is a clause put into the Covenant, that every failing in the performance of our Duty shall not make a Forfeiture: See Psal. 89.30, 31, 32, 33. If his Children forsake my Law, and walk not in my judgments. If they break my Statutes, and keep not my Commandments, Then will I visit their Transgressions with the Rod, and their Iniquities with Stripes; Nevertheless my loving kindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. It is the Duty of God's Children to watch over their Corrupt Nature, and against Temptations that they may not fail, otherwise they are not sincere; but yet notwithstanding their greatest watchfulness they will in some things be found faulty, both in point of Omission and Commission, yet the Lord will not be severe upon every Trespass; the Covenant goeth on still, notwithstanding lesser Transgressions on our part, 2 Sam. 23.5. Although my house be not so with God, yet he hath made with me an everlasting Covenant, ordered in all things, and sure; for this is all my Salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. We are not so firm as God, but remission of Sins is one of the Covenant priviledges, and remaineth notwithstanding the defects and failings on our part. When we grow secure, and neglect our duty, and do not watch over our selves, the jealous God will watch over us, and take away the fuel of our Lusts, and quicken us to Repentance and the remembrance of our duty. The sharpest rods and sorest stripes may stand, and do stand with his Covenant-love to them. Psal. 119.75. I know that in Faithfulness hast thou afflicted me. Yea not only so, but they are part of his Covenanting-Administrations, they are Fatherly Corrections, and Medicinal Preservatives against sinning; they are token of God's hating Sin in his People, but not of the rejection of their Persons; but rather effects of his Love to the persons corrected.
II. The Confirmation.
1. In the General: God's Bill and Bond hath a Seal annexed to it: A Seal is to make a thing unquestionable. The Prophet in his bargain for the Field of Anathoth, Ier. 32.10, 11. saith, I subscribed the Evidence, and Sealed it; and I took the Evidence of the purchase which was Sealed according to the Law and Custom. The Sealing of the Deeds, was an assurance by which an Inheritance was made over; and a Covenant and Bargain ratified, was Sealed by both Parties: So is Gods Covenant sealed for the more assurance, by God and us.
2. I shall shew particularly, the nature of the Seal on God's part, and ours.
1. The Seal of the Covenant hath an impression suitable to God's part, the Lord knoweth those that are his: where there is a double comfort and ground of assurance to God's Covenant-People.
1. They are his,
2. He knoweth them.
1. They are his.
1. By Election from all Eternity, Iohn 17.6. Thine they were: By this there is a distinction between them and others, in the purposes of his Grace. When the Lord had all Adam's Posterity under his all-seeing Eye, he did out of his free Love chuse some from among others to be the objects of his special Grace.
2. By effectual calling, which is their actual choice, by which a distinction is made between them and others in time: 2 Thess. 2.13. God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. His actual Choice is there meant, Iohn 15.19. I have chosen you out of the World therefore the World hateth you. The World knoweth not the secrets of God's Election, but they see the effects. The first foundation of a Believer's Salvation was laid in Election, but it is acted and compleated, when God calleth them from the rest of the World, and sets them apart for himself.
3. They are his, by entering into Covenant with him, and an Act of Consecration on their part, Ezek. 16.8. Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold thy time was the time of Love, and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy Nakedness, yea I sware unto thee, and enter'd into a Covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine. They surrender themselves to the Lord's use, 2 Chron. 30.8. Now be ye not stiff Necked, as your Fathers were, but yield your selves unto the Lord. Give your hand to God. Now all this maketh the Foundation, or the Covenant of the Lord sure to them, so that they shall not Miscarry by damnable Errors, and willful Sin, as others do. God's eternal Election keepeth them from the Teint of Errors, Matth. 24.24. Insomuch that (if it were possible) they shall deceive the very Elect. The Elect cannot altogether be seduced and drawn away from Christ, because of the purpose of God, which is backed by his invincible power, and care over them. Actual Election, or effectual Calling giveth them a discerning Spirit, 2 Thess. 2.13. But we are bound always to give thanks to God for you, Brethren Beloved of the Lord; because God hath from the beginning chosen you to Salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. Their Minds are savingly enlightned, and their Wills renewed, so that they are kept safe: Their Covenant-Dedication doth particularly entitle them to God's care, so that they are guided by God's Spirit, and guarded by his continual Providence, till the work begun in them be perfected. Phil. 1.6. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Iesus Christ.
2. God knoweth them: Knowing is put for,
1. His particular notice of them as his peculiar People of all that belong to the Election of his Grace. He knoweth their Persons, Ier. 1.5. Before I formed thee in the Belly I knew thee. God hath a special care of them, that they may not dye in their unregenerate condition. He knoweth their Names, Exod. 33.12. I know thee by Name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight: and Vers. 17. I will do this thing also which thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. And it is said of Jesus Christ, that he calleth his own Sheep by name, and leadeth them out, Iohn 10.3. He knoweth all his Flock particularly, their Names and their Number by Head and Poll, even to the meanest and poorest Saint: Iohn, Andrew, Thomas. He knoweth their Necessities, Streights, and Temptations, Cares, Griefs, Fears, Wants, Difficulties, and Dangers. Matth. 6.32. Your Heavenly Father knoweth that you have need of all these things: He knoweth who wanteth Food, and Rayment, and Protection: His Eye is never off the Saints, Psal. 56.8. Thou tellest my wandrings, put then my Tears into thy Bottle, are they not in thy Book? Not a drop, but is in God's Bottle: God doth number their Tears, reckon all the steps of their Wandrings and Pilgrimages; every weary step through Ziph and Hareph. I tell you it is God's Business in Heaven to look after his Saints. The Eyes of the Lord run too and fro throughout the whole Earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them, whose heart is perfect towards him. 2 Chron. 16.9. He knoweth all their employments, and how they are to be fitted for them. Gal. 1.15. It pleased God, who separated me from my Mother's Womb, and called me by his Grace; He dateth God's Law from that time. This Child is appointed to be a Vessel of Mercy, to be employed in an especial manner for God's Glory. Thus Ieremy was designed to be a Prophet, before he was bred or born; Paul to be an Apostle in his Mothers Womb: An instance we have of God's particular knowledge in the 9th of the Acts the 11th vers. The Lord said unto … go into the street, which is called Straight, and enquire in the Hous… of Judas … called Saul of Tarsus, for behold he prayeth: Such a Town, such a Street, … Person, about such a work. God taketh notice of every particular Circumstance.
2. As he taketh notice of them, so it is with Love, Delight, and approbation, verba notitiae connotant affectus; He embraceth them with special love, delighteth in them as his peculiar people, and approveth of them. Knowing beareth this sense for approving, as Pas. 1.6. The Lord knoweth the way of the Righteous, but the way of the Ungodly shall perish. So Matth. 7.23. I never knew you, depart from me ye workers of Iniquity, that is, I do not approve you. The Lord seeth and beholdeth them with Mercy, and according to the gracious Tenor of the Evangelical Covenant, he approveth and rewardeth all the good purposes and performances of the Godly. Here the Lord rests in his Love, Zeph. 3.17. The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty, He will save thee, He will rejoyce over thee with joy: He will rest in his love, He will joy over thee with singing as his peculiar people.
3. Knowledge is put for the communication of saving Benefits, Gal. 4.9. Now after ye have known God, or rather are known of God. Sinners in an unconverted estate are such, of whom God taketh no notice and knowledge, to wit, so as to be familiar with them, and to communicate saving Blessings to them: But thus God knoweth his People, that he will not suffer them to be taken out of his Hands.
2. The Impression that suiteth with our part; or our Duty in the Covenant, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ, depart from Iniquity. Where take notice,
1. Of the description of the Parties concerned; Whoso nameth the name of Christ; That is, maketh profession of being a Christian: As the Wife is called by the name of her Husband. Isa. 4.1. Only let us be called by thy name. The Father's name is put on the Children. Gen. 48.16. Let my name be named on them; so every one that nameth the name of Christ, that is, so as to intitle himself to him, to be one of his Disciples and Followers.
2. The Duty required: Let him depart from Iniquity. Where note,
1. That there is a Duty required of those that would possess those Blessed Priviledges. Those that presume of their Election, and cast away all care of Salvation, and let loose the Reins to all Carnal Liberty, they have no Title, nor right to these Comforts: No, it belongeth to them who live in a Conscionable Obedience, and careful endeavour to please God in all things. No man immediately Knoweth his Election, but by Holiness, 1 Thess. 1.4, 5. Knowing Brethren Beloved Your Election of God, For our Gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost. We understand Things by their effects. God carrieth on the Business of Salvation in such a manner, that he will have his People co-operate by the power they have received from Him, taking heed of all Things which are contrary thereunto, both in Life and Doctrine. Phil. 2.12. Work out your own Salvation with Fear and Trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will, and to do of his good pleasure. And 2 Pet. 1.10. Give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure. God's Counsel is fulfilled by means, and we can have no knowledge but by the effect.
2. How his Duty is Expressed. Let him depart from Iniquity: Not only retain the Faith and Profession of Jesus Christ, but depart from all manner of Sin.
1. The Thing quitted is Sin: It is an Indefinite expression, which implyeth all Sin; not only Sensual Lusts, as Voluptuous Living; but Pride, Ambition, Contention, Animosity, Vain-Glory: See Verses 21. and 22. of this Chapter. If a Man therefore purge Himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto Honour, sanctified and … for the masters use, and prepared unto every good Work: flee also Youthful Lusts, but fol…ow aft…r Righteousness, Faith, Charity, Peace: In short our Duty is to keep close to God; and the departing from Iniquity is by sound Repentance at First, and by … Holiness of Life afterwards, which are as the Gate and the Way.
2. Though it belongeth to our Care, yet God affecteth and worketh this Obedience in the Hearts of the Elect, or his peculiar People; they must attend upon this work, but all is done by the Grace and Power of the Holy Ghost. He…. 13.20, 21. Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the Dead our Lord Ie… that great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood of the Everlasting Covenant; make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Iesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Use. We learn hence two things: (1.) A comfortable dependance upon God, till our Salvation be accomplished. (2.) The necessity of all holy Care and Diligence, notwithstanding God's Undertaking in the Covenant.
1. A comfortable dependance upon God, till our Salvation be accomplished.
(1.) You are his; Psal. 119.94. I am thine, save me. (2.) He knoweth you, and will make a distinction between you and others; Iohn 13.18. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen. 2 Pet. 2.9. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. (3.) He that knoweth you is the Lord, and what is too hard for the Lord? His Divine Power can give you all things; 2 Pet. 1.3. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things, that pertain unto life and godliness: And, 2 Cor. 9.8. God is able to make all grace abound towards you, that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. (4.) It is the Seal of his Foundation, therefore he will unchangeably pursue what shall be for our good; Isa. 14.27. The Lord of Hosts hath purposed, and who shall disanul it? Psal. 46.10. My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. Mal. 3.6. I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sons of Iacob are not consumed. We often complain as Israel of old, My way is …idden from the Lord, and my judgment passed over by my God, Isa. 40.27. He hath forgotten us in the throng of Business that is upon his Hands, and taketh no notice of us. But here is sufficient Encouragement for a dependance upon God; The foundation of the Lord standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth those that are his.
2. We learn the necessity of all holy Care and Diligence, notwithstanding God's Undertaking in the Covenant; Qui fecit te sine te, &c. God that made thee without thee, will not save thee without thee: God that decreed the End, decreeth also the Means. (1.) If you name the name of Christ, there must be Holiness joyned with Profession, otherwise you are a dishonour to him, and make him the Minister of Sin; Gal. 2.17. But if while we seek to be justified by Christ, we our selves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. (2.) Consider the impartiality of your Judge; you will not find favour for being a Christian in Profession only: 1 Pet. 1.17. If ye call on the father, who, without respect of persons, judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. (3.) You lose your Evidence, if you do not live as one known of God. External Profession is disclaimed, Matth. 7.21, 22, 23. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord! Lord! shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of my father which is in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord! Lord! have we not prophecied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity. (4.) As you are concerned in God's Foundation, you obliged your selves to a strict holy Life: 1 Pet. 3.21. The like figure whereunto, even Baptism doth now also save us, not the putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience towards God. And, Heb. 10.21, 22. Having a High-priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true Heart, in full assurance of Faith, having our Hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience, and our Bodies washed with pure Water.