Read II Timothy 1 -- 4
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 you wise to 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, thoroughly furnished to all good works (II Timothy 3:15-17). This can only mean that God expects us to read all Scripture.
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 His apostles when beginning at Moses (the first five books of the Bible) and all the prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:27; compare 24:44). Jesus never once implied that some of the Scripture was inspired and other portions of the Old Testament were not inspired. And 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 or subtraction (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 inspired to translate into English more than 400 years ago the One Book that reveals His will for our lives.
The Word of God is the true source of reproof. Added to reproof is "rebuke, exhort" which means we are also to encourage or bring comfort. Rebuke without encouragement may defeat the purpose of the rebuke Long-suffering is a necessity if exhorting is to be profitable.
We are to preach (teach) the Word in season and out of season (II Timothy 4:2). Since the truth can never be out of season — meaning, always available — nothing compares to the necessity of knowing God's Word. There are no options, no substitutes, no alternatives.
Paul also spoke of some that have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof (3:5). Their doctrine is 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 making 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 speaking to hearts to: Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth (II Timothy 2:15)
Cross Reference:
For II Timothy 2:19: See Numbers 16:5.
Word Studies:
2:4 entangeleth himself = becomes involved; 2:23 gender strifes = foster quarrels; 3:3 incontinent = without self-control; 4:15 be thou ware = be aware, be on guard.
Prayer Needs:
BP Staff: Rita Guerra · Pray for Pastor S.I. Ombima, Swahili translator in Kenya · for the International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · Government Officials: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL), Rep. John Boozman (AR), and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL) · Country: France (59 million) in western Europe · Major language: French · Religious freedom · 74% Roman Catholic; 5% Muslim; 2% Protestant; 1% Jewish · Prayer Suggestion: Trust in the Lord: where He guides, He provides (Psalm 16:1-8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 5:6