The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-05-24

International LessOns-By Henry n. Grout,
ID. D.-May "a The Faithful saying.-1
Timothy 1915; 2:6.
GOLDEN TEXT This is q faithful saying, and
worthy of all acceptstion. that Christ Jesus came
nto the world to save sinners.-l Tim. Ills.
The two Epistles to Timothy and that to
Titus are com m only called the Pastoral Epis-
ties; the reason being that they deal more
fully than any other with the duties of the
pastoral Office Nor are they addressed to
churches or bodies of Christians. but to indi-
vidual sci lies in that Office.
Timothy was native of Lyconia in Asia
Minor, and was born probably in Lystra.
His father was Greek and his mother .
Jeuess. His mother, Eunice, and his grand.
mother, Lois. were both women of marked
piety and faithfully instructed him in the
Jewish Scriptures. His conversion to the
Christian faith probably occurred at the
time of PauPs first visit to Lystra and Derbe.
At any rate when Paul made his second
journey that way he found him well re-
ported of by the brethren" and took him Is
helper. It was most likely at that time
| that he was set apart, with the laying on of
hands. to the Office and work of an evapge.
list; and from that time that he became one
Of the Apostles most trusted and loved
| companions. He is now about thirty four
| or thirty-6ve years OF age, and in charge OF
the church at Ephesus. Paul it is supposed,
| had been set at liberty II ON his first impris-
onment at Rome. and wrote his first letter to
him from Corinth. The time is two or three
years after the conclusion of the history re.
| corded in the Acts.
In these verses We have:
One Of the most important and precious
Of all the sayings of the New Testament
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all &C.
ceptation" 1t is faithful, that is, assuredIy
true. 1t is worthy of al &C septation, that is
OF such worth, and so suited to the needs of
all as to merit the glad welcome OF every
heart.
| The saying includes two things: "Christ
Jesus came into the world; )" and He ''came
into the world to save sinners" Here we
| have His pre-existence; He came Htr | we
have His melcful purpose; to save sinners.
Farther on we are told something of what
de did to accom- lish our salvation: who
gave Himself a ransom for alp q 81 Such
a saying is suited to arrest all minds, and to
melt and win all hearts; for all are sinners.
Jesus is able to save all, and the sally alton
includes infinite and endless good.
Said the elder Alexander. THE longer
live, the more incline to sum up all my
theology in this single sentence" Bsthune
said, This is q text unspeaksbly precious to
every soul born of the Spirit. SO full of Cos
pei that it continually overhows as with
honey from the cleft of the rock" II is a
precious saying And it would seem to have
grown to be sort OF axiom with the early
Christians; q saying often on Christian lips;
the Gospel in Q sentence.
Encouragement to seek mercy for the
greatest sinDers-"Sinners," said Paul, LOT
whom chief" Paul was now forgiven,
saved. And yet he could but remember tina,
he was q saved sinner. The past could not
be recalled. Then, in his humility, be
thought Of himself as the greatest of sinners
He looked at his own sins until those of 9th
ers sunk into lnsignifcance. The better one
used this language sincerely. We should
take care that we do not use it heartlessly;
for then 1t is miserable can't.
Paul cites his own case, OF great sinner
saved, not to glorify himself but to exalt
Christ. and to encourage others Among
other reasons for Gods mercy to him was
this, namely, that others might see that none
need despair. The argument il conclusive
for us. And numerous cases similar 10 his
add to its force. The experiences Of great
sinners saved in later ages repeat and en-
phasize the invitation, whatsoever will, let
him come"
We can not wonder at the outburst of
grateful praise with which the Apostle here
interrupts his line of thought. The ascrip
ton is becoming as it is jubilant Now unto
the King eternal" etc. For king eternal"
We might read king of all the ages; of all
| cycles and stages Of duration and being
S1ch is he who has provided salvation fer
Us! Unto him be honor and glory for ever
and ever. Amen"
8. A general charge equally suited to
Cnristian ministers 81 d private Christians -
Raturniup from his in hilant dipression the
Apostle now proceeds with that fatherly
counsel with which the Epistle began. At
Timothy's conversion or ordination or both
Silas or other prophets had predicted good
things concerning the young man. Paul
now reminds him of these prophecies, and
exhorts him to remember them, that By
them be may be stimulated to great earnest
ness, both in his Christian life and public
ministy. This life and ministry he
represents q warfare" 50 ell Chris
tians have found 1t Error and sin are to be
resisted and overcome; truth and goad