In Today's Reading:
Exhortations to Timothy; the coming apostasy; steadfastness in the Scriptures; the charge to preach
Paul reminds Timothy that his mother and grandmother had faithfully taught him that the holy Scriptures . . . are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. He encouraged Timothy to remember that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Timothy 3:15-17). This can only mean that God expects us to read all Scripture and apply it.
It is not in harmony with biblical doctrine to say: Every Scripture that is inspired because all Scripture is inspired, even as Jesus pointed out to two of His disciples when beginning at Moses (the first five books of the Bible) and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27; compare 24:44). Jesus never once implied that some Scripture was inspired and other portions of the Old Testament (the Scriptures at that time) were not inspired. All Scripture obviously means every verse in the Bible. This is a doctrine of vital importance to the Church in this generation. The Old Testament as well as the New Testament warn against addition to or subtraction from God's inspired Word (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19).
The Almighty God obviously controls all the affairs of the universe and nothing could have been more vital than His control over the men whom He led to translate into English the One Book that reveals His will for our lives about 400 years ago.
The Word of God is the only true source for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II Timothy 3:16-17).
We are to preach (teach) the Word . . . in season, and out of season (4:2). Nothing is as essential as knowing God's Word. There are no options, no substitutes, no alternatives which can replace it.
Paul also spoke of some that have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof (3:5). Their doctrine may be correct, but it has no genuine effect upon their heart, thoughts or conduct. All Scripture is . . . profitable for discipline in righteousness, giving direction for growing in grace. This means it teaches us to be all that God would have us to be in order to fulfull His perfect will for our lives. Surely the Holy Spirit is still saying: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (2:15).
Cross Reference:
For II Timothy 2:19: See Numbers 16:5.
Word Studies:
2:4 entangleth himself = becomes involved; 2:23 gender strifes = creates or begets quarrels; 3:3 incontinent = without self-control; 4:15 be thou ware = be aware, be on guard.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Dr. Henry M. Morris · Staff: Rita Guerra Government Officials: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL), Rep. John Boozman (AR), and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL) Country: Uruguay (3 million) on the southeastern coast of South America Major language: Spanish Religious freedom 60% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish; .7% Eastern Orthodox Prayer Suggestion: Your prayers should be lifted up with confidence in God (Psalm 56:9,11).
Memory Verse for the Week: John 8:31