1 Timothy 4:10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men… I. THE COURSE PURSUED BY THE APOSTLE AND HIS BRETHREN WAS ONE OF LABORS AND SUFFERINGS. If we must be reproached, let us not be reproached for evil-doing, but for well-doing: let us not have conscience against us, exasperating our sufferings; but secure in our conscious integrity and adamantine guard. II. WHAT IT WAS THAT SUSTAINED THE APOSTLE AND HIS BRETHREN IN THE COURSE WHICH THEY PURSUED: IT WAS THE PRINCIPLE OF CONFIDENCE IN GOD. "We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of them that believe." 1. God is here regarded as "the living God"; that is, the true God, as distinguished from dumb and lifeless idols, described by the Psalmist as "having eyes that see not, ears that hear not, mouths that speak not, feet that walk not." God appeals to this distinction, when He says, "As I live." This suggests the idea of the infinite perfection of the Deity, and consequently His ability to protect His servants. 2. As "the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe." (1) "The Saviour of all men." His mercies are over all His creatures. (2) But in a far higher sense He is "the Saviour of those that believe."He saves them from consequences far more awful than any temporal calamities. Now, from the first of these views we infer that the power of God is pledged to assist His servants to do His will, and execute His commission: and, in whatever we do in obedience to God's will, we have reason to depend on the support of Him who has ordered it to be done. And, in the next place, this may be especially applied to that part of God's will, in which His glory is most concerned. In the gospel the honour of God is most of all concerned: men are to be saved by believing the gospel: therefore we may be confident that God will help them in all that relates to the success of the gospel: "He is the Saviour especially of them that believe." III. AS IMPROVEMENTS OF THIS SUBJECT, observe — 1. How highly we should value that gospel, which the apostles preached amidst so much labour and suffering! 2. Imitate the apostles in their course of labours and sufferings. Be "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." 3. And, lastly, as the apostles were supported by trusting in the living God; so shall we also be, if we follow their example. If we trust in God, His favour will be our joy; if not, His comforts will fail us. (R. Hall, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. |
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