Holding Fast the Form of Sound Words (10): Onesiphorus: A Profitable Example (II Timothy 1:16-18) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. The Deeds He Performed
II. The Attitude He Possessed
III. The Mercy He Needed
Psalms: 112:4-9; 128:1-6
John Calvin’s Commentary on II Timothy 1:18: “This prayer shews us how much richer a recompense awaits those who, without the expectation of an earthly reward, perform kind offices to the saints, than if they received it immediately from the hand of men. And what does he pray for? ‘That he may find mercy;’ for he who hath been merciful to his neighbors will receive such mercy from God to himself. And if this promise does not powerfully animate and encourage us to the exercise of kindness, we are worse than stupid. Hence it follows, also, that when God rewards us, it is not on account of our merits or of any excellence that is in us; but that the best and most valuable reward which he bestows upon us is, when he pardons us, and shews himself to be, not a stern judge, but a kind and indulgent Father.”
John Calvin preaching on II Timothy 1:16: “When we see this, that our Lord doth not only acknowledge that service which we do to them that are his, but will make us prosper both in our stock, and in what else soever we have, and will stretch out his fatherly love upon them whom we love, and are joined unto us: when we see this, have we any cause to fear, I pray you, but he will be merciful to us as touching our selves?” (John Calvin’s Sermons on Timothy and Titus, p. 742).