By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
ENDURING
2 Timothy 3:12–17; 4:1–8
Persecution Coming (3:12–13)
Paul wrote that everyone who wants “to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Persecution awaits every believer who resolves to adorn his confession with a genuine godly life in the midst of contradictions coming from every side because he refuses to compromise the faith.
Instead he faces the foe and challenges him to combat. The genuine believer must boldly defend the faith against every attack and courageously assault the fortress of unbelief.
Persecution is an ever-present reality for many believers today. Persecution will continue and increase because the wicked will never desist but will increase in wickedness. These evil men and imposters were described in verses 2–9, and they “will become worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
They will proceed from bad to worse both morally and spiritually. Deception is their weapon. While some people in the church fall for this deception we need to remain firm and steadfast.
Get Equipped (3:14–17)
Paul exhorted Timothy to pursue a course which was the very opposite of the false teachers and their followers. Timothy was to continue in what he had learned and firmly believed. Note that learning was not enough. What has been learned must be applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit so that one can firmly believe the truth in such a way that one’s life is transformed.
Timothy was to continue in these things because of the trustworthy character of those who had instructed him. He had been taught the Word by Paul (3:10–11) and by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (1:5). He was also to continue in these things because of the excellence of the sacred writings on which these doctrines were based. The sacred writings lead to salvation.
Paul wrote in verse 16 that all Scripture owes its origin and contents to the breath of God. The human writers were powerfully guided and directed by the Holy Spirit. As a result what they wrote was not only without error but also was of supreme value to humanity.
This truth is known as plenary verbal inspiration which means every word in the Bible has been breathed out by God through the personality of the human writer. No book is like the Bible.
The sacred writings also lead to sanctification. Paul declared that all Scripture is “profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” The Bible teaches what’s right, what’s wrong, how to get right and how to stay right.
As we study the Bible and apply its truth in our lives by the power of the Holy Spirit we become more like Jesus Christ. Verse 16 emphasizes the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible contains everything we need to grow in likeness of Christ.
The sacred writings equip us to serve (3:17). As we appropriate the word of God in our lives we become more like Jesus and we are equipped for every good work the Lord will call us to pursue.
Preach His Word (4:1–4)
Although many will fall away from the truth Paul exhorted Timothy to preach the word of God faithfully, for he will give an account to God and Jesus for what he preaches. He was to preach the Word consistently and pastorally. He was to show the people where they were wrong, tell them to stop and encourage them to obey Scripture.
Finish Well (4:5–8)
Paul exhorted Timothy to endure by being faithful to Scripture. While many were allergic to theology and irritated by doctrine he was to finish well by persevering for the gospel in the face of persecution. Fight the good fight for the Lord will reward His faithful servants.
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