THERE is a painful contrast between the First and Second Epistles of Paul to Timothy. In the one the church is viewed from God’s standpoint, as the house of God, the pillar and ground of the truth; in the other we are shown man’s side of the matter, and the confusion and evil that he has brought in. It is of the highest importance to distinguish between God’s building and man’s. The one is perfect, as are all His works, and will stand forever; the other is marked by imperfection and sin.
Several passages of scripture present the house of God to us as God’s handiwork. “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:2121In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (Ephesians 2:21)); “To whom coming, as unto a living stone... ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:44To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, (1 Peter 2:4)); “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:1818And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)). In all this man has no place. It is God’s house; all the stones introduced are instinct with divine life, and all the power of Satan cannot overthrow it.
But it is far otherwise with man’s work. God has employed builders, as 1 Corinthians 3 shows, and all such are responsible to Him for their work. Much that they have built is worthless, and will be disowned by the Lord in the coming day. Servants who have labored according to God, and who have built with gold, silver, and precious stones will receive a reward; those who have built with wood, hay, and stubble will suffer loss; and those who have corrupted the temple of God He will destroy. The latter are of course unconverted laborers.
In 2 Timothy 2:2020But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. (2 Timothy 2:20) the professing church is likened to a great house, wherein are vessels off gold and of silver, also of wood and of earth, and some to honor and some to dishonor. This is the condition of things presented to the exercised soul at the present time. Every thoughtful believer recognizes that faulty workmen and unfaithful saints have brought in a state of confusion the exact opposite of the original intention of God. It is the old sad story; everything is corrupted that is committed to the responsibility of men—a deeply humbling lesson for all our souls to learn. But what are the godly to do in such circumstances? God be praised, we are not left without divine light. Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy not only shows us the evil, but furnishes principles and directions for the path. Separation from evil at all cost is God’s principle for all who would do His will. “If a man therefore purge himself from these he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the master’s use, prepared unto every good work.” It is useless to groan over the evil, or to protest against it, while going on with it. The soul in this way gets impoverished, if not positively injured. Even if no further step be seen, evil must be abandoned; indeed, the soul generally has to cease to do evil before learning to do well. The word comes home to heart and conscience with commanding power, “Let everyone that nameth the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”
Yet the faithful are not left without the privileges of christian fellowship in their separation for the Lord’s sake. Such are to “follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:2222Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)). Those who are obliged to turn away from iniquity naturally find themselves together, and it is the will of God that they should. But let us carefully observe, and earnestly cultivate the divine characteristics here laid down. It is deplorable and painful when separation from evil is taught and professed, and these are lacking. If crooked ways are seen instead of righteousness, indifference and indolence instead of faith, envying and jealousy rather than love, and strife and contention to the banishment of peace, an enormous evil is created, from which may the Lord mercifully preserve all His own. Faith can still fall back on the Lord’s own gracious promise, “Where two or three are gathered together unto my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:2020For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20)). But may we be found in this position in lowliness and grace, and with that deep-toned holiness of life and walk that correspond therewith, for His name’s sake.
W.W.F.
STROKES by the Saviour’s hand are very sweet.