December 10, 2005
Read 2 Timothy 1
In Today's
Exhortations to Timothy; the coming apostasy; steadfastness in the Scriptures; the charge to preach
Paul reminded Timothy that his mother and grandmother had faithfully taught him the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (II Timothy 3:15). He encouraged Timothy to remember that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine (instruction), for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (3:16-17). 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 unto 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. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament strongly warn against adding to or subtracting anything from what God has inspired (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19).
Almighty God is sovereign over 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 nearly 400 years ago the One Book that reveals His will for our lives.
The Word of God is the One True Source of reproof (conviction). Added to reproof is the instruction to rebuke, exhort which means we are also to encourage or bring comfort. Rebuke without encouragement may defeat the purpose of the rebuke. Long-suffering (patience) is a necessity if what we exhort (encourage to do well) is to be profitable.
We are to preach (teach) the Word . . . in season, out of season (II Timothy 4:2). Out of season means whenever the opportunity is available. Nothing compares to the necessity of knowing God's Word. There are no options, no substitutes, no alternatives.
Paul also spoke of some people having a form of godliness, but denying 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 to be all that God would have us to be in order to fulfull His will for our lives. Surely, the Holy Spirit is speaking to all who desire to please the Lord: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth 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 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 International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in honor of Iva Mae McElroy · Staff: Rita Guerra · Government Officials: Gov. Rod Blagojevich (IL), Rep. John Boozman (AR), and Rep. Luis Gutierrez (IL) · Country: Bangladesh (127 million) in southern Asia · Major languages: Bangla and English · Present religious freedom may become limited · 87% Muslim; 12% Hindu; .2% Roman Catholic; .2% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a greater desire to serve the Lord (Psalm 42:1-2).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 1:22