2 Peter 2:22
The sermon explores the nature of sin and the irreversible state of apostates as illustrated by the proverb in 2 Peter 2:22.
John Gill expounds on 2 Peter 2:22, illustrating the profound truth of the proverb that likens apostates to dogs returning to their vomit and washed sows returning to mire. He emphasizes the filthy nature of sin and the irreclaimable state of those who turn away from the truth, highlighting that without a change in nature, they are doomed to revert to their former sinful ways. Gill draws parallels from Hebrew interpretations, reinforcing the idea that such individuals are trapped in their own defilement, unable to escape their sinful tendencies.
Text
Ver. 22. But it is happened unto them, according to the true proverb,.... Which is true, both in fact and in the application of it, and which lies in the Scriptures of truth, at least the first part of it, Pr 26:11.
The dog [is] turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire; which expresses the filthy nature of sin, signified by vomit, mire, and dirt, than which nothing is more abominable and defiling; and also the just characters of these apostates, who are filly compared to dogs and swine and likewise their irreclaimable and irrecoverable state and condition, it being impossible they should be otherwise, unless their natures were changed and altered. In the Hebrew language, a "sow" is called ryzx, from the root rzx, which signifies to "return", because that creature, as soon as it is out of the mire and dirt, and is washed from its filthiness, naturally returns to it again: so such apostates return to what they were before, to their former principles and practices: in this manner the Jews explain the proverb,
"Tobiah returns to Tobiah, as it is said, Pr 26:11; as a dog returneth to his vomit {r}.''
{r} Vajikra Rabba, sect. 16. fol. 158. 4.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the proverb in 2 Peter 2:22
- Understanding the nature of sin
- The significance of the proverb
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II
- The characteristics of apostates
- Comparison to dogs and swine
- The irreclaimable state of apostates
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III
- The necessity of a changed nature
- Implications for believers
- The danger of returning to sin
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IV
- Historical context of the proverb
- Jewish interpretations
- Lessons for the modern church
Key Quotes
“The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” — John Gill
“This expresses the filthy nature of sin, signified by vomit, mire, and dirt.” — John Gill
“It being impossible they should be otherwise, unless their natures were changed and altered.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Believers should remain vigilant against the temptations of returning to old sins.
- Understanding the nature of sin can help us appreciate the need for true repentance.
- We must seek a transformative relationship with Christ to avoid the fate of apostates.