2 Timothy 3:14-16

Written ~ 09-22-2023

2 Timothy 3:14-16

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

These few verses ring exceptionally true for my life. I grew up in a Christian home, going to church and learning from the Word of God was a regular part of my life. It is quite true that if you read the Bible, live by its foundational purposes, your life will be led to the things that honor the Lord. Studying the Scriptures, learning from them provides wisdom to live a godly life. If reading and studying the Word of God is not a priority, it is impossible to live according to the instructions hidden within its pages. It becomes easy to disregard the precious Words of God if picking up your Bible becomes less and less important. As this world continues to grow darker, colder, some may turn to its bright lights for wisdom, they may seek instruction from those who wish only to deceive them. Guard your hearts from such things happening in your life. Seek the Lord by remembering what you were taught as a child.

2 Timothy is a letter written by Paul to Timothy. Paul refers to Timothy as his son, though he was not his biological son, Paul loved Timothy as a son. 2 Timothy 1:2a says, “I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.” It is so important to have someone in your life who will raise you in the things of the Lord. If you did not grow up with parents who lovingly taught you the things of the Lord or led you to trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then find someone who will teach you, guide you, help you learn who God is and the importance of knowing Christ personally.

In our verses today, Paul is starting off verse 3:14 with,

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught…”

This verse comes after a warning given to us by Paul in the preceding verses. It’s quite interesting how the verses found in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 sound like they could be taken from today’s headlines…

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”

Do you see why Paul is telling us to remain faithful? There are so many things in the world today that can steer us off the path leading to the Lord. Verse 3:16 says,

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives…”

What a gift we have. We have the Word of God. The Bible is not just another book on the shelf that you read once and put it away. No, the Bible is a living Word coming straight from the Heart of the Almighty God. In its pages are His truths being poured out on us to bring change, to bring wisdom, to teach us right from wrong. Verse 3:17 says,

“God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”

When you read the Bible, it has a way of speaking to your heart in a way that no other book can. I have read through some passages several times with years in between and it brings new meaning and teaches me something I hadn’t thought of before. That’s why Paul says to remain faithful. Faithful to what you might ask? Faithful to the things you have learned from the Scriptures, the very Words of God.

So, either you have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood or you are learning from them now, well into your adult years. Either way, you have the great benefit of receiving the wisdom that comes from this wonderful Book. Don’t treat it as something old-fashioned, something only your great grandma would read. This Book, the Scriptures, the Holy Words of God are living, breathing and if you give them a chance to sink in, they are absolutely life changing. Consider the alternative: You can live in this world that we have confirmed, over and over again to be dark, evil, cold and uncaring without Christ, without knowing the truth of Scripture. Or you can embrace the love of the Lord and let the Word of God pierce your heart in a new and awesome way!

Thank you, Father, for giving me Your Word. Thank you for giving me the wisdom and understanding from the Scriptures inspired by YOU! Help me to always remain faithful, help me to never want to see the world as a place of fulfilment. Instead guide me, teach me, inspire me, prepare me. Thank You for Your presence in my life, now and for always!

~AMEN~

4 comments

  1. I’m very glad you are in my life. I love reading your journals every morning. Love you. Happy Birthday

Comments are closed.