SERMON IX
2 Timothy, Chap. 3 verses 16 and 17
16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17. That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
The word of God being called our spiritual sword, there is need of our being armed with it: for in this world the devil continually fighteth against us, endeavouring to deceive, and draw us into sin. Therefore, St. Paul saith, the word of God deserveth such reverence, that we ought to submit ourselves to it without gainsaying. He likewise informeth us what profit we receive from it; which is another reason why we should embrace it with reverence and obedience. There have been some fantastical men at all times, who would wish to bring the holy scripture into doubt; although they were ashamed to deny that the word of God ought to be received without contradiction. There have always been wicked men, who have frankly confessed that the word of God hath such a majesty in it, that all the world ought to bow before it; and yet they continue to blaspheme and speak evil against God.
Where is the word of God to be found, unless we see it in the law, and in the prophets, and in the gospel? There it is that God hath set forth his mind to us. To the end, therefore, that men may not excuse themselves, St. Paul plainly showeth us, that if we will do homage to God, and live in subjection to him, we must receive that which is contained in the law and the prophets. And that no man might take the liberty to choose what he pleaseth, and so obey God in part, he saith, the whole scripture hath this majesty of which he speaketh, and that it is all profitable. To be short, St. Paul informeth us, that we must not pick and cull the scripture to please our own fancy, but must receive the whole without exception. Thus we see what St. Paul’s meaning is in this place; for when he speaketh of the holy scripture, he doth not mean that which he was then writing, neither that of the other apostles and evangelists, but the Old Testament.
Thus we perceive that his mind was, that the law and the prophets should always be preached in the church of Christ; for it is a doctrine that must, and will, remain forever. Therefore, those that would have the law laid aside, and never spoken of again, are not to be regarded. They have made it a common proverb in their synagogues and taverns, saying, “we need neither the law nor the prophets any more:” and this is as common a thing among them, as among the Turks.
But St. Paul bridleth the christian, and telleth us, that if we will prove our faith and obedience toward God, the law and the prophets must reign over us; we must regulate our lives by them; we must know that it is an abiding and an immortal truth; not flitting nor changeable; for God gave not a temporal doctrine to serve but for a season, for his mind was, that it should be in force in these days; and that the world should ...
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