The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-05-24
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE LESSON.
SECOND QUARTER. LESSON TX. May 81.
Pauls Charge to Timothy. III Tim. I'LL. Ia


HOME READINGS.
The True Minister lisa. xxxv
God C G,ns o.hr IT Ser i; XXI Sly
The Final Revelation .-..........R Rev xxi, 1915
Prophesying in the Church ------.I Cor xiv, 264O
Proof OF Inspiration. Il John Nv, 16
The second epistle of Paul to Timothy was
written during the time of Pauls final imprison.
ment at Rome, and not long before his martyr
DOM After his release from his first confne-
ment, he seems, from certain evidence in his
later epistles, to have returned to Asia and
Greece, where some suppose that he was arrested;
others think that, hearing of the prosecutions at
Rome under Nero, he came back voluntarily to
that city in order that by his presence
he might aid, comfort and counsel the
infant church. The apostle was daily expect
ing his execution. He was for the second
time prisoner in Romes and now under SEN
tence of death. He was beheaded in the sum-
mer of 68 A. d. He is likely now to give a
calm, dispassionate view of Christianity. Ii
there were any reasons against its great doc
trines, any doubt as to the atonement, the
resurrection, the mediation, or the final triumph
of Christ, we would have had some hint of it In
this episJle if not in the form of direct declara
ton, yet in the negative form of weakening of
statement or silence to the great truths of the
gospel But we find the most positive and
earnest statements of faith as to all the essen
tial doctrines, and a wonderful presentation of
the claims of the inspired Spriptures on the
truth of which the future Of Christianity was to
rest.
STUDY THE WoRD.-The man of God must
know the will of God. He only obey who
knows what is required. He only can teach who
has some acquaintance with that which is to be
communicated to others 1.-THE Holy Scriptures"
contain Gods will They alone can make us wise
unto salvation" They alone can tell us how
we can be saved. They tell us of our sin-they
sinner and the Savior can meet-by faith, which
brings salvation. Only divinely- given writing
can impart such knowledge of the way of life
Whether we say that all Scripture is inspired
is valuable makes little difference. In
the one case the inspiration of Script
ure is affrmed-in the other it
is assumed in either case, the Bible is Gods
book and is profitable for doctrine for reproof,
for correction, for instruction.n righteousness
and all to one end; that the man of God may be
perfect-complete, wanting nothing-"thor-
oughly furnished unto every good work" These
Scriptures Timothy had known from childhood.
He had Jewish training in the word of God.
Paul urges steadfastness in the way which had
been early trodden. He would have Timothy
continue in" and hold fast 10 the things which
he had learned, and had been assured Of; con-
fdence in which would grow as he remembered
had comforted and strengthened these revered
teachers.
WORKING FOR GoD-''Preach the Word"
that is the ministers business. He is Gods
herald He may not consult comfort nor con-
venience. He should be always about his
Fathers business. All seasons are opportuni
ties to him who studies how he may do the most
good. He should prove" truth. ''rebuke" error,
''exhort" to fidelity, with the patient endurance
of one who knows that he is engaged in Gods
work, and can afford to trust Him for results.
He must also watch" like vigilant sentinel,
endure" like a heroic martyr, work to evange
lie the people, fill out to rounded completeness
his ministry. The charge" to fidelity is most
solemnly urged. God is summoned witness,
and in His presence the apostle urges
the claim of duty. The Lord Jesus
Christ is present to his thought also
to take cognizance of what is said and
His kingdom'-the time when both quick and
dead shall stand before Him in judgment-to en-
force the great work which Paul is about to lay
down, and Timothy to assume ana carry on.
When parting from the Ephesian elders at
Miletus Paul had predicted detection within, as
we'll as the inroad of false teachers. This pre-
diction he now renews, and urges as a reason
for diligence and earnestness in preaching the
truth. When people will hear is the time to
speak, when they will mot endure sound doc
trine" they will desert the faithful teacher and
seek men who will tell them smooth things"
The old adage-''like people, like priests
painfully true; and people of Itching ears"
can always find those who will cater TO their
lust and prove teachers after their OWE minds
FINISHING THE WoRK.-Where Paul dropped
his work Timothy must take it up The aged
hero saw the end nigh: Il am being poured
OUT as ibation is poured at sacrifice; he al
martyrdom for the truth. His departure was
near; like vessel with half hosted sails, strain
ing at her moorings, he was ready to slip cable
and depart. The good fight had been
Co., %6a Ex,fa% %lA
pointed end; the faith kept and
indicated from all foes; and with this retrospect
Paul turns his face toward martyrdon, conf
IDENTIFY assured of the great reward which is
promised to every victor in lfes contest, Rev ii,
10. He sees the crown laid up" for him, and
sees as we'll 'the righteous Judge" who will place
that crown on his head; what need he care then
for the unrighteous judge who will shortly con-
denim him to death here? The way will be short,
the reward sure, and the company excellent.
For Paul saw more crowns than one; "all them
that love His appearing" are sure OF coronation
by the Lord, as was Paul, the servant Of Jesus
Christ
TRUTHS TO BE APPLIED.
Hold fast to the Word of Continue"
in it's teachings: practice its precepts; initiate
its pure examples; cherish its admonitions.
Nothing can take its place. Let every new Cos
pei be ''anathema;" hold fast to your mothers
Bible and your mothers God
Parents should be teachers of the Word SO
it was in the case of Timothy, and because he
received it from both his mother and his grand
mother it had great weight with him. 1t is
equally true whoever may be the teacher. but it
makes great difference to the child who teaches
it. No Sunday school teacher car ever take the
place of parent
'Be instant in season."-Be quick to sieze
favorable occasions. Make opportunities. Watch
for open doors and open hearts Be always at
it" earnest in the Masters work
Children can be fSaVed.-Il0 world is to be
saved in this way; but there are many who do
not believe either truth. The kind of knowledge
necessary to salvation is easily within young
chids reach. Children often backslide because
they receive from adults. Very few grown peo
pie could begin to stand up under the kind of
contempt and doubt that children suffer from,
Death not abhorrent.-Paul treats death as