By: Dale Weckbacher
2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is
breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, 17 that the
man of God[b]may be
complete, equipped for every good work.
(ESV)
When one begins working in a profession or trade, the
process begins with education where one acquires basic knowledge. Then there may also be an internship for
those going into a profession or an apprenticeship for those learning a trade
that provides practical work experience.
Timothy has a background of education in Scripture since childhood and
has served with the Apostle Paul as an apprentice or intern. He is now ready to begin his ministry with
these words serving as a reminder to continue serving God by remaining anchored
to God’s Word, the foundation and anchor of truth.
These words of instruction begin with,
1)
Commending Timothy for following Paul’s example of
Godly living (2
Timothy 3:10) – Paul begins this text by commending Timothy for his
emulation of the godly qualities of biblical teaching, conduct, aim or purpose
in life, faith, patience, love, and steadfastness. These qualities resemble the fruits of the
spirit in Galatians
5:22-23 which are the remedy to the wickedness earlier mentioned by Paul in
2
Timothy 3:1-9. However, it is not
just those in ministry that need to emulate these qualities but all believers
in Christ so the world can see the fruits of the Spirit at work in the lives of
God’s people.
2)
Commendation for staying with Paul through his
sufferings and persecutions (2
Timothy 3:11-13) – While no person knows the exact date of the return of
Christ, the return of Christ is one day closer with each passing day. While this brings hope to believers in
Christ, as the day of Christ’s return draws nearer, the persecution and
suffering directed at God’s people will also increase. Paul’s reminder in 2
Timothy 3:12 is not a verse that brings comfort but does remind us of the
need to remain prepared as the day of Christ’s return draws closer. Paul’s commendation of Timothy is also thanks
for staying steadfast with him during his persecution and suffering that have
resulted in his imprisonment. Sadly, if
believers do not firmly anchor to the solid foundation of biblical truth, they
will run away from God when persecution and suffering increase as the day of
the Lord’s return draws nearer. God’s
people must be steadfast in their study of the Word, gathering together, and
praying to prepare for increased persecution and suffering sure to come as
Jesus’ return approaches.
3)
Continuation of the study of scripture as
ongoing education (2
Timothy 3:14-15) – Study of the Bible is more than just a one-time event that
happens with one reading the book cover to cover. Instead, the study of God’s Word is an
ongoing process. This is because the understanding
of the Bible comes through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This is why we may read a passage of
scripture several times and understand something in the passage that we did not
see before because we are now ready for that understanding. Timothy understood this since his childhood, with
Paul encouraging him to continue studying.
We must also heed this advice as the Lord’s return draws nearer.
4)
Completeness and equipping of one for serving
Christ from the foundation and anchor of God’s Word (2
Timothy 3:16-17) – By anchoring in the Word and its firm foundation we can
be like Jesus during the storms of suffering and persecution and not in panic
as the Disciples were (Matthew
8:23-27). With this firm anchoring
to the rock, the children of God will remain anchored to the truth when the storms
of persecution and suffering come and stand strong in faith, complete in
the knowledge of the truth.
God has placed each of us in our profession or job for a
purpose and even if that is not one as an ordained minister; we have a ministry
from wherever God has placed us. In one’s
personal ministry it is crucial that they follow Paul’s instructions to Timothy
by living in a Godly manner, enduring persecutions and suffering, and most
importantly, continuing to study Scripture as it provides the foundation and
anchor of truth as one ministers.
Our world is in dire need for revival and a return to the
things of God. While great evangelists
and orators or the Bible serve as the spark that ignites a revival, lasting
revival in the hearts of individuals occurs as they see ordinary people like
ourselves enduring suffering and persecution in a godly manner due to anchoring
their lives in a Biblical foundation of truth.
I pray everyone reading this will search their hearts and anchor their
lives to the Biblical foundation of truth.
However, this process begins with one having faith in Jesus as his or
her savior (2
Timothy 3:15). If you have never
taken this step, I encourage you to do so by praying with me,
Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans
3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans
6:23). I ask you to forgive me of my
sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1
John 1:9). I believe you died, was
buried, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.
My prayer is that those reading this will stand firm and
anchor their lives on the truth of the Bible.
Storms of persecution and suffering in the last days are coming and
those not anchored firmly to the truth of the Bible will find themselves tossed
around by the coming storms of persecution and suffering. As Christians, we must be fruitful, studious,
and gather together for strength to endure the storms coming in the last
days. May God bless everyone reading
this post.
No comments:
Post a Comment