The Church in Ruins (Brief Thoughts on II Timothy), Part 40

No Need to Look Anywhere Else

But continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them; and that from a child you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (II Timothy 3:14-17).

Paul here points Timothy to the Scriptures. This is exactly where he had directed the Ephesian elders as he departed from Asia.

And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and the Word of His grace, which is able to build you up … (Acts 20:32).

Thus we see the all-sufficiency of Scripture. It was all that the elders needed, although they did not avail themselves of it. It was all that Timothy needed. Paul said that it was able!

Paul also wrote the Ephesians a letter, after his departure from them, emphasizing the place that the Scriptures had in spiritual warfare.

Take … the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Paul had told Timothy earlier that the Word of God was sufficient for the most constraining situations.

Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the Word of God is not bound (II Timothy 2:9).

The Source of Profit

In the dark situation that Timothy found himself, what an encouragement the reminder of these things must have been to him. With only the foundation remaining (II Timothy 2:19), one could easily give up hope. “What’s the use?” “The battle’s just not worth it!” Still, Paul points Timothy to the place of eternal profit: “all Scripture … is profitable” (II Timothy 3:16).

(to be continued)

Clyde L. Pilkington, Jr.
Bible Student’s Notebook
© 2001, 2009 Bible Student’s Press

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