2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.… I. PAUL'S EXPERIENCE of God's loving care for him in his past deliverances. 1. The enemies of the truth are oft for power, always for malice — lions. 2. God suffers His dearest children to fall into the mouths of lions. 3. In their extremities God delivers them — (1) By suspending the malice of their foes. (2) By raising up one lion against another. (3) By diverting them from their intended prey. (4) By changing their nature to lambs. (5) By showing Himself a lion. (6) By making them lions to themselves. (7) By making them friends, putting some conceit or fancy into their heart. (8) By making His own people lions to their adversaries. II. PAUL'S ASSURED HOPE, built upon his experience. 1. "The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work." God preserves from evil works by planting the graces of faith and fear in us. 2. "And will preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom." By Himself, and by inferior agencies. III. THE ISSUE OF BOTH HIS EXPERIENCE AND HIS HOPES. As they flow from God's grace, so he ascribes to Him the glory. We honour ourselves when we honour God; our praising God causes others to do so. (R. Sibbes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.WEB: At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. |
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