Continue In The Scriptures

A walk through the whole Bible chapter by chapter.

The two epistles of Timothy were Pastoral letters to a young protege of Paul called Timothy to help him navigate the terrain of ministry in Ephesus.

In 2 Timothy 3:14‭-‬17 (NKJV), the Apostle Paul addresses issues relating to the word of God in spite of the changing times. He noted, 

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Paul exhorts young Timothy that in spite of the depravity of the world and the persecution of believers, the man of God must continue in the Scriptures. There are 5 things Paul instructed concerning continuing in the word of God in 2 Timothy 3:14-17:

#1. Scripture Must Be Learned & Followed (3:14-15a).

According to Paul, Timothy started learning and following the Holy Scriptures as a child. He then followed apostolic teachings and worked with Paul. Moses taught Israel in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 to know, teach and have the word everywhere.

#2. Scripture Is Able To Make Us Wise For Salvation (3:15).

Scriptures are able to make us wise for salvation because in them are revealed God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ. Salvation is in none other but Jesus Christ whom He has appointed heir of all things.

#3. Scripture Is Inspired By God (3:16).

Scripture is given by the inspiration of God. The source of Scripture is not man but God. God moved men to write His Word. Both the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God. Peter says that Scripture didn’t come by man’s private interpretation (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

#4. Scripture Is Profitable For Us (3:16).

Paul says it is ‘profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness’. These speak of the usefulness of the Holy Scriptures in our daily Christian living.

#5. Scripture Prepares Us For The Work Of God (3:17).

Scriptures prepare the man of God for the work of God. The foremost knowledge we need to do the work of God is to be equipped by the word of God which is able to bring men unto salvation. We must study to show ourselves approved.

From the passage above, we have learnt that God’s word found in the Bible is from God to us to prepare us for His work. If we neglect His word and use our own means, we shall never meet His standard of life and faithfulness required of us.

May the Lord help us to continue daily in His word.