2Timothy:3

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* Verse 1-9 - Even in gospel times there would be perilous times ; on account of persecution from without , still more on account of corruptions within . Men love to gratify their own lusts , more than to please God and do their duty . When every man is eager for what he can get , and anxious to keep what he has , this makes men dangerous to one another . When men do not fear God , they will not regard man . When children are disobedient to their parents , that makes the times perilous . Men are unholy and without the fear of God , because unthankful for the mercies of God . We abuse God 's gifts , if we make them the food and fuel of our lusts . Times are perilous also , when parents are without natural affection to children . And when men have no rule over their own spirits , but despise that which is good and to be honoured . God is to be loved above all ; but a carnal mind , full of enmity against him , prefers any thing before him , especially carnal pleasure . A form of godliness is very different from the power ; from such as are found to be hypocrites , real Christians must withdraw . Such persons have been found within the outward church , in every place , and at all times . There ever have been artful men , who , by pretences and flatteries , creep into the favour and confidence of those who are too easy of belief , ignorant , and fanciful . All must be ever learning to know the Lord ; but these follow every new notion , yet never seek the truth as it is in Jesus . Like the Egyptian magicians , these were men of corrupt minds , prejudiced against the truth , and found to be quite without faith . Yet though the spirit of error may be let loose for a time , Satan can deceive the nations and the churches no further , and no longer , than God will permit . * Verse 10-13 - The more fully we know the doctrine of Christ , as taught by the apostles , the more closely we shall cleave to it . When we know the afflictions of believers only in part , they tempt us to decline the cause for which they suffer . A form of godliness , a profession of Christian faith without a godly life , often is allowed to pass , while open profession of the truth as it is in Jesus , and resolute attention to the duties of godliness , stir up the scorn and enmity of the world . As good men , by the grace of God , grow better , so bad men , through the craft of Satan , and the power of their own corruptions , grow worse . The way of sin is down-hill ; such go on from bad to worse , deceiving and being deceived . Those who deceive others , deceive themselves , as they will find at last , to their cost . The history of the outward church , awfully shows that the apostle spake this as he was moved by the Holy Ghost . * Verse 14-17 - Those who would learn the things of God , and be assured of them , must know the Holy Scriptures , for they are the Divine revelation . The age of children is the age to learn ; and those who would get true learning , must get it out of the Scriptures . They must not lie by us neglected , seldom or never looked into . The Bible is a sure guide to eternal life . The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves , but delivered what they received of God , 2nd Peter strkjv @1:21 . It is profitable for all purposes of the Christian life . It is of use to all , for all need to be taught , corrected , and reproved . There is something in the Scriptures suitable for every case . Oh that we may love our Bibles more , and keep closer to them ! then shall we find benefit , and at last gain the happiness therein promised by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ , who is the main subject of both Testaments . We best oppose error by promoting a solid knowledge of the word of truth ; and the greatest kindness we can do to children , is to make them early to know the Bible . Henry ' _2__4 **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary **** _

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