Homilist 2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.… I. THAT GREAT ADVERSITY FREQUENTLY BEFALLS THE REST OF MEN. This shows — 1. That neither adversity nor prosperity is any test of character. 2. That there must come a period of retribution. II. THAT GREAT ADVERSITY EXPOSES THE WEAKNESS OF OUR REST FRIENDSHIPS. III. THAT GREAT ADVERSITY DEVELOPES THE MAGNANIMOUS IN THE HEART OF THE GOOD. "I pray God," etc. Like Stephen under shower of stones, and Christ on cross. IV. THAT GREAT ADVERSITY DEMONSTRATES EVER MORE THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD. "Notwithstanding the Lordstood by me" (Job 5:19). (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.WEB: At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them. |
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