We are instructed in the rich provision that God has made in order that His people may be preserved and act as becomes the man of God in the last days.
First, we are told that the great safeguard against all that is false is the knowledge of that which is true. Thus the Apostle can say to Timothy, Thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, endurance, persecutions, afflictions. There is no necessity to know fully the evil, for we do not escape evil simply by the knowledge of evil. It is by the knowledge of the truth that we can detect that which is false and contrary to the truth and “turn away” from those who pursue it.
Second, the Apostle can appeal to his “manner of life.” His life was wholly consistent with the doctrine that he taught. He proclaimed the heavenly calling of the saints and, in consistency with his doctrine, his manner of life was that of a stranger and a pilgrim whose citizenship is in heaven. It was a life governed by a definite “purpose,” lived by “faith,” exhibiting the character of Christ in all “long-suffering,” “love” and “endurance,” involving “suffering” and “persecution.”
Third, we read of the support of the Lord. To this Paul can witness from his own experience, for, speaking of the sufferings and persecutions that his life involved, he can say, “Out of them all the Lord delivered me.” If we are diligent to know the doctrine, if we are prepared to live a life consistent with the doctrine, we shall realize the support of the Lord.
Fourth, in the presence of evil, the godly will find safety and support by abiding in the things we have learned. Too often believers make no definite stand against error because they are not “fully persuaded” of the truth. In the presence of error, and especially of error mixed with truth, we need to be absolutely assured that the things we have learned are indeed true. Thus the final safeguard against error is trust in the inspiration and sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures.
H. Smith