(Chapter 3)
In chapter 3, the Apostle lays before Timothy the safeguards and resources that the man of God will need to be able to serve in “the last days.” However, a person is not likely to avail himself of these resources and safeties if he doesn’t realize how great the danger is that he is surrounded with. Therefore, before speaking of them, Paul lays before Timothy a graphic picture of the condition of the Christian testimony in the last days. This was given to Timothy so that he would clearly understand the conditions in which he was called to serve. It is not a pretty picture.
A Description of the Christian Profession in the Last Days
(Vss. 1-9)
Vs. 1 – Paul says, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” “The last days,” are usually thought to be those of the 20th and 21st centuries. However, those days may have begun sooner than this present day in which we live. Scholars tell us that “shall come,” in the original language, has another form of the verb than what is normally used, which indicates that "the last days" were about to begin in that day, or shortly after that day. Paul, therefore, was indicating to Timothy that “the last days” were about to begin in that time, and have continued through to our day. If this is true, Paul was using the term to define a character of things rather than a specific period of time in Church history.
This means that the ruin came upon the Christian testimony quickly. It was not long after the days of the apostles that the heavenly light of Christian truth was resisted, attacked, and snuffed out by the enemy. A cursory glance at Church history confirms this. It should also be noted that Paul gives no indication here—or elsewhere in his epistles—that there would be a restoration of the public testimony of the Church. Timothy could only expect to see an increase of evil and a thorough leavening of the Christian mass.
Paul forewarns him that the last days would be “perilous times.” In saying this, he was not referring to things being perilous in temporal things—that it would be difficult to get a job and provide for one’s family, etc. Paul was speaking of it in a spiritual sense. He meant that it would be a very dangerous time to live spiritually. There would be much corruption and seduction among those who profess the name of Christ. It could easily stumble the most savvy person who wasn’t leaning upon the Lord and availing himself of these safeguards that Paul was about to give to Timothy.
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The Apostle proceeds to give a five-fold description of the terrible mess the Christian testimony would deteriorate into, and thus, dishonour the Lord.
1) Worldliness
Vss. 2-4—The first thing it would be marked by is worldliness. Some eighteen evils are mentioned to give Timothy a graphic picture of the moral depravity into which the Christian testimony would plunge. The Apostle is not describing the condition of the world—because in verse 5, he says that these have a “form of godliness,” and the world makes no pretension of godliness—but the Christian testimony.
This list of sins could be compared with what he gives in the later part of Romans 1 in regard to the ungodly heathen. The comparison shows that the moral conditions that exist among the heathen in their uncivilized state will largely characterize professing Christendom in the last days!
It will be noticed that the first and outstanding evil in this terrible list is the uncontrollable selfishness of men. The love of self and the gratification of self will lead to every other evil in the list. It is what drives men to be disobedient, unthankful, unholy, etc. It means that in the last days, so-called Christians will generally not walk in self-judgment but will allow the flesh to have free reign in their lives.
2) A Practical Denial of the Presence and Power of the Spirit of God
Vs. 5—The second thing that would mark the Christian testimony in the last days is a practical denial of the presence and power of the Spirit of God. The great professing mass will be marked by “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” Outwardly, people will seem religious. They will make a profession of knowing the Lord but will have only the exterior of a Christian. There will be no “truth in the inward parts” (Psa. 51:66Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. (Psalm 51:6)). By living for selfish interests, the Spirit of God (who is “the power” for holy Christian living – Rom. 8:22For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)) will be denied in the lives of men practically. Hence, they will have a form, but there will be no force in their Christian façade. It will be nothing but empty hypocrisy, which is obnoxious to God.
Not only would there be a denial of the Spirit’s power in practical life, there would also be a denial of the Spirit’s power in assembly order. The power in Christianity for true worship and ministry is also through the Holy Spirit (Phil. 3:33For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:3); 1 Cor. 12:1111But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11)). Notwithstanding, clerical order—which is purely of man’s devising—has come into the church and displaced the Holy Spirit in practice. Conventional church order sets up human leaders (so-called “Pastors or “Ministers”) to conduct the worship and preside in the ministry, even though we do not read of such a thing in the Bible. It has been in existence for centuries now. However, from the moment the Spirit of God was sent into this world at Pentecost, we look in vain throughout the New Testament for any church president, except that of the sovereign guidance of the Holy Spirit. With Someone as great and competent as this divine Person present in the midst of the saints gathered together, why would it be necessary to appoint a man to do His work, regardless of how gifted that person may be? The Spirit’s work of leading and guiding the assembly in worship and ministry has been hindered by this human arrangement.
Human order is so widespread in Christendom that it can be seen from St. Peters in Rome to the smallest evangelical chapel. Instead of believers meeting together for worship and ministry in the Lord’s name alone, waiting on the leading of the Spirit for guidance, one can scarcely find a prayer meeting without someone appointed to lead it. In these arrangements, the Holy Spirit is denied. To set up a man, however gifted he may be, to lead and conduct assembly meetings, is a practical denial of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It is really unbelief in the competency of the Holy Spirit to direct the meetings. This human interference has set aside the simplicity of God’s order and has contributed to the confusion in God’s house.
3) Great Efforts Being Made to Subvert Unestablished Souls
Vs. 6—The third thing that would characterize the Christian testimony is that there will be zealots going about to gather people to their so-called Christian causes. Paul says, “Of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins.” Devious means would be used to subvert unestablished souls into supporting the various causes that will arise in the name of Christ. He says that they would “creep into houses.” Creeping reminds us of the wily serpent, the devil himself (Rev. 12:99And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (Revelation 12:9)). Hence, their ways and methods will have the character of Satanic subtlety and deception.
Those who are their victims are characterized as “silly women.” This is not referring to women only, but to certain people (either male or female) who are driven by their emotions rather than being governed by the Word of God. Hence, the method of these so-called Christian workers will be to play on one’s emotions. The word “silly,” has been rendered “gullible,” by some translators. As Satan approached Eve in the Garden of Eden and deceived her into believing his lies, these zealots approach people who are gullible and unestablished in the truth, and deceive them with their false teachings.
Notice, these so-called Christian workers will not deceive anybody and everybody. It is a certain character of people who are “laden with sins” and “divers lusts.” This refers to people who are burdened under a sense of sin and lust and feel a need in their lives. Perhaps we could say that they are searching but not honestly searching. As they look for relief from their inner struggles, they are vulnerable and ripe for this kind of deception. They are open to whatever may come along, and it is just at that crucial time in their lives that these false teachers arrive to deceive them. The sad thing about it is that they become “captive” to that particular system of false doctrine, and then become active promoters of it. The program is to turn these captives into zealots who will further the cause of their particular organization.
Today, Christendom is marked by false cults that energetically work to gather people in. The “tares” (false professors) are being gathered together into “bundles”—Christian cults (Matt. 13:3030Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. (Matthew 13:30)). We hardly need to mention the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Mormons, etc., as examples of this activity. Many have been stumbled by this kind of activity.
4) A Great Outward Pretense of Having the Truth
Vs. 7—The fourth thing that will characterize the Christian profession in the last days is a great outward pretense of having the truth, yet not having it at all. Paul says, “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” “Ever learning,” does not mean that these so-called Christian groups will be known for loving the Lord Jesus and wanting to know more about Him. They will make a profession of being the ones amidst the sea of voices in the Christian world who really have the truth. And therefore, they persuade people to join with them in their cause. Many have been deceived by this kind of pretension.
Paul adds that they are “never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” This means that God allows them to be deceived by their own machinations. The very error that they teach leaves them in darkness. God will not be mocked; He will not allow those whose wills are set against Him and His Word to learn the truth. It is only the meek who are taught the truth (Psa. 25:99The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. (Psalm 25:9)). There must first be a proper state of soul in a person before the Spirit of God can teach him. If the motives are right and our wills are not at work, “the Spirit of truth” will take the things of Christ and show them to us (John 16:13-1413Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 16:13‑14)). Paul says that this same class of people are “deceiving, and being deceived” (vs. 13), and therefore, fall by their own devices. This is a governmental judgment of God.
5) Imitating the Power of God Through Deception
Vss. 8-9—The last thing that Paul mentions that will characterize the Christian profession in the last days is an imitation of the power of God. To give Timothy a clear picture of the kind of deception that will be at work, Paul points to two Old Testament magicians in the time of Moses. He says, “As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” These men specialized in performing imitation miracles with an aim to resist Moses (Ex. 7:10-1310And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. 11Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. 12For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. 13And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said. (Exodus 7:10‑13)). We see this all around us today in the Christian world. There are many Christian groups claiming to have Pentecostal powers. They attract large followings by claiming to perform miracles and healings, etc. The TV healers of our day who claim to do miracles are a terrible dishonour to the name of Christ. People naturally want to see a demonstration of power and are drawn in by it.
The immediate effect of the magicians’ imitations was to harden Pharaoh’s heart. The imitations that are in the Christian testimony today have had the same effect on people. The hearts of those under these delusions become hardened to the truth. They “resist the truth” and “will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:33For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Timothy 4:3)). If you bring the truth of Paul’s doctrine before them, they don’t want it. They would rather see a demonstration of power. Invariably, they are turned aside from the truth that Paul has given to the Church.
Paul says that these types of people will be “reprobate [worthless] concerning the faith.” Many are not true believers. And those who are true believers, when tested as to their understanding of the Christian faith, are willfully devoid of it. Moreover, he says that their “folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.” This again refers to a governmental dealing of God. Just as God exposed Jannes and Jambres by His judgments in Egypt, He will expose the folly of these to all who honestly want the truth, so that they will not be stumbled by them. They give away their intentions by continually begging for money. This ought to put us on guard. No sober Christian could entertain, for a minute, the veracity of the preposterous claims these deceivers purport to make in their counterfeit miracles.
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It is hard to believe that that which once had been entrusted with the highest truth and the greatest privileges ever given to mankind could sink to such a despicable state. But all around us we see the sad fulfillment of this. What a terrible dishonour the Christian testimony has been to the Lord. We have rendered such a poor testimony of Christ before the world that we have to hang our heads in shame and humiliation, and in the spirit of Daniel’s prayer, say, “We have sinned” (Dan. 9:55We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: (Daniel 9:5)).
An important lesson we are to learn here, is that in a day of ruin we are not to judge what Christianity is by what so-called Christians are doing, but by the Word of God. If the practice of Christians were our guide, then we would hopelessly fail to discern true Christianity. There are a thousand voices in Christendom all proclaiming to have the truth, and many of them contradict one another! The believer would be hopelessly lost trying to find his way through the confusion. The believer must return to the Word of God to know what God’s mind is. “This is the commandment, that as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.” (2 John 66And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. (2 John 6)) This is our great guiding principle in a day of sin and failure in the Christian testimony. We must return to that which was “from the beginning”—to the first principles of Christianity which are only found in the Word of God. We need to ask, “What does God’s Word say about this doctrine or that practice?” and then look to Him for grace to do what it says.
The Divine Safeguards and Resources of the Faithful
(Vss. 10-17)
In the latter part of the chapter, Paul turns to speak of the divine safeguards and resources that would preserve Timothy from falling into the corruptions and errors of Christendom. These things would give him a ready measuring stick to test all he encountered in the path of service. By these he could detect everything that was not of God, and “turn away” from it.
These safeguards and resources were not for Timothy only, but for us too. Being called to live in very dark and difficult times, we need these things perhaps more than at any other time in the Church’s history.
The following are four essential things that are both safeguards and resources for the believer. They will both preserve us from the pitfalls in the path and also provide us with a means by which all pretension to truth can be detected and exposed.
1) The Knowledge of Paul’s Doctrine
Vs. 10a—The first thing Paul holds out before Timothy that would be a means of preserving him from the corruption in the Christian testimony is his doctrine. He said, “Thou hast fully known [been thoroughly acquainted with] my doctrine.” Timothy had been diligent in learning Paul’s doctrine (1 Tim. 4:66If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)), now he was to keep it by walking in those things, and it would keep him from the corruptions in Christendom. There was a practical salvation for him in taking heed to Paul’s doctrine (1 Tim. 4:1616Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16)). For the same reason, we need to be well acquainted with Paul’s doctrine. It will be a means of preserving us.
Being “thoroughly acquainted” with what Paul taught, Timothy would have the divine standard of truth by which he could test all that he met with in the path of service. If it did not measure up to what he was taught by Paul, it was defective in some way. It was not necessary for Timothy to be thoroughly acquainted with all the bad doctrines that were developing. Those who delve into all the evil doctrines that are afloat in the Christian testimony are in danger of falling into them (compare Deut. 12:29-3129When the Lord thy God shall cut off the nations from before thee, whither thou goest to possess them, and thou succeedest them, and dwellest in their land; 30Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise. 31Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for every abomination to the Lord, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods. (Deuteronomy 12:29‑31)). Paul does not advise Timothy to do it. Elsewhere he says, “I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Rom. 16:1919For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. (Romans 16:19)). Likewise, it is not necessary for us to know all of the evil doctrines prevalent in Christendom to escape them, but simply to know the truth and to walk in it. It will be our ready measuring stick.
2) A Life of Consistency With the Truth
Vs. 10b—The second thing that would be a preserving factor for Timothy was Paul’s “manner of life.” It was not enough that Timothy should know Paul’s doctrine; he needed to emulate Paul’s manner of life. It would be a preserving safeguard for him. Paul’s manner of life was in direct contrast to the corrupt lifestyle that was developing in the Christian testimony. To walk as Paul walked would mean a walk in separation from it. Likewise, if we have established right habits of godliness in our lives, they will surely be a means of preserving us in the path.
Paul mentioned some specific things that were part of his manner of life. There was “purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity [love], patience.” These were things that characterized his life and service. Not only would a life of godliness preserve Timothy, it would give him a bright and shining testimony in contrast to the order of things around him, and it give weight to his ministry.
Paul’s life was wholly consistent with the doctrine he taught. In fact, his manner of life was based on his doctrine. Paul had told Timothy that bad doctrines lead to bad practice (2 Tim. 2:1616But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:16)) and also, that good doctrine produces a consistent, godly life (1 Tim. 6:33If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; (1 Timothy 6:3)). Our doctrine forms our walk—either for good or for bad. Perhaps this is the reason that Paul spoke of his doctrine before speaking of his manner of life.
Paul’s “manner of life” was a standard for Timothy to test the profession which he would meet. Do those who make a profession of having the truth have a consistent life of godliness as Paul did? Timothy could simply ask, “Is it Paul’s manner of life to do this or that?” Historically, those who have been heterodox are often marked by questionable lifestyles (and sometimes outrageous sins), which accompany their horrendous doctrines. A word of caution here; while this is a good test, there are some who will imitate Paul’s life but do not have his doctrine. The Lord called such, “wolves” in “sheep’s clothing” (Matt. 7:1515Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15)). Many have been stumbled by the seemingly outward godliness found in certain Christian cults. Let us be on guard against this too.
3) The Faithful Support of the Lord in Times of Persecution
Vss. 11-14—A third thing that would accompany one who carried the truth in a day of ruin is the Lord’s support in times of rejection and persecution. As an example, Paul spoke of specific persecutions that he faced in three places on his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). He spoke of the “persecutions” and “afflictions” that came to him “at Antioch, at Iconium,” and “at Lystra.” The persecution on these three occasions was caused by the Jews stirring the Gentiles to reject Paul. While persecution today is not likely to come from the Jews literally, Scripture does warn that attacks will come from those who take Jewish ground within the Christian profession. In the book of Revelation they are referred to as those who “say they are Jews, and are not” (Rev. 3:8-98I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. 9Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. (Revelation 3:8‑9)). They are those who attempt to approach God through Christianized forms and ceremonies, like Old Testament Judaism. This order of things is found in modern denominationalism. Those who worship God on that ground can be the source of persecution to those who desire to walk in all that Paul gave to the Church.
Timothy could expect that persecution would come from that quarter. There would be no escaping it if he stood for the truth. In case he despaired at such a prospect, Paul added, “But out of them all the Lord delivered me.” Timothy could count on the faithful support of the Lord to help him through it. What a wonderful resource this is! If we live a life consistent with the truth, we can expect to have the Lord’s support in a very real way. Others may forsake us, but the Lord won’t (Heb. 13:55Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)). We do not say that there will be deliverance in every case. Many thousands of faithful Christians have died at the stake for their simple faith in the Scriptures, but Timothy could count on the Lord helping him through the persecution in a remarkable way.
There is no escaping persecution if one lives godly. Paul said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (vs. 12). Standing for the truth with a godly life will bring suffering. But this, too, would be a means for Timothy to test and detect the evil teachers and their doctrines. Are they suffering reproach for what they teach? Or is it being received by the masses? This would be a telltale sign of whether it was the truth. In 2 Corinthians 11:21-3321I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also. 22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. 23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. 24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. 25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; 27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. 28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. 29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? 30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. 31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. 32In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. (2 Corinthians 11:21‑33), Paul spoke of one distinguishing mark that set him apart from those who posed as Christian workers—but were “false apostles” and “deceitful workers”—he suffered for the truth that he taught. Generally speaking, in a day of ruin and failure, those who teach error or misrepresent the truth do not suffer persecution. Contrariwise, they are usually well accepted.
Paul forewarned Timothy that things in the Christian testimony would only get darker. He said, “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (vs. 13). Since this was true, Timothy needed to be prepared for the onslaught of “juggling imposters” who would deceive the masses. The best way he could be preserved from their deceptions was by heeding Paul’s exhortation, “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (vs. 14). Similarly, Boaz's servant counseled Ruth: "go not to glean in another field" (Ruth 2:88Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens: (Ruth 2:8)). She was to continue to glean in the field where Boaz was. There would be protection and plenty of food for her there. To wander off to another field to glean could have been disastrous; someone could have taken advantage of her.
It was not enough for Timothy to know Paul’s doctrine (vs. 10); he needed to continue in those things, and to also be “assured” of those things (vs. 14). This means that he needed to be personally convinced of the truth in his own soul. This was important; if others were to give up the truth and depart from the faith (which was the drift of the day – chap. 1:15), he would not be influenced by their defection because he had truly bought the truth and had made it his own (Prov. 23:2323Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23)).
Paul added, “Knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” This is another important principle for a day when many voices are proclaiming to have the truth. It is simply this: know the source of the ministry you listen to and read. This means that we are to be careful as to what kind of Christian literature we read, Christian teaching we listen to on the radio, Christian videos we look at, and Christian websites we visit, because we could inadvertently pick up error and be led astray (2 Peter 3:1717Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. (2 Peter 3:17)). In a day of ruin and failure in the Christian testimony, when erroneous teachers abound, we need to proceed with caution. Therefore, let us make sure that the source of such ministry is known for being sound in doctrine.
4) The Holy Scriptures
Vss. 15-17—An even greater safeguard against the evils of Christendom is found in “the holy Scriptures.” This is vitally important in a day when false doctrines abound on every hand. If Timothy knew and obeyed the Scriptures, he would not be led away by those subtle deceptions. What a tremendous safeguard this is!
Paul reminded Timothy that he had had a very good start. “From a child” he had “known the holy Scriptures.” The Scriptures that Paul was referring to here are in the Old Testament, for the New Testament was not yet written when Timothy was a child. Even before Timothy had heard the gospel and was saved, he had an understanding of the nature and ways of God through the instruction of his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:55When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (2 Timothy 1:5)). This instruction would contain various moral and practical lessons that a person gains through reading the Scriptures. These things laid a foundation of godliness in Timothy’s life, and they also imparted wisdom that could save him from the spiritual dangers and deceptions that he faced in the path of service.
The Old Testament abounds with principles by which one gains wisdom for the path. They truly can make us “wise unto salvation” when applied to the Christian pathway. The aspect of salvation that Paul was speaking of here is that of practical salvation, for Timothy was already saved as far as eternity was concerned. What he needed was a daily practical deliverance from all the evils through which he had to pass in serving the Lord. Applying the principles of the Old Testament Scriptures to his life would be his safeguard.
The wisdom that Timothy had learned from the Old Testament Scriptures was not Paul’s doctrine. The truth of the mystery, which is the main tenet of his doctrine, is not found in the Old Testament Scriptures. It was a special revelation from God to Paul for this present dispensation.
In verse 16 Paul adds, “All [every] Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” By saying this, he included the New Testament Scriptures. Portions of the New Testament were already in existence at that time. In 1 Timothy 5:1818For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his reward. (1 Timothy 5:18), Paul quotes the gospel of Luke (Luke 10:77And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. (Luke 10:7)). And Peter spoke of Paul’s epistles as Scriptures (2 Peter 3:1616As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. (2 Peter 3:16)). The New Testament was “given by inspiration of God” as much as the Old Testament. Inspiration is not, as some believe, that God gave thoughts to individuals and they were allowed to express them in their own words. The very “words” of Scripture in the original languages were inspired of God (1 Cor. 2:1313Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:13)). This is why translators should strive to translate the very words of Scripture in the original languages into our language. A word-for-word translation is what the student of the Word of God needs, not merely a thought-for-thought equivalence, which, unfortunately, many modern translations tend to be.
Not only would “the holy Scriptures” be a safeguard for Timothy, they would also be a great resource for him to use in testing the reality of all that he met. The Word of God detects and exposes everything that is false. The great question is, “Is this doctrine or that practice consistent with Scripture?” Another test is simply whether it exalts Christ, for Scripture does nothing but exalt Christ. Many of the God-dishonouring doctrines that have sprung up in Christendom exalt man and demean Christ and His finished work.
Paul said, “The holy Scriptures” are “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” “Doctrine” lays out the truth for us on a particular subject. By it we are instructed in the mind and ways of God. Sad to say, many Christians today are not concerned enough about the instructions given to us in the Word. There are many who have the idea that our manner of life is more important than our doctrine. They seem to think that it doesn’t matter what we believe as long as we all love one another and get along together. This is a simplistic view of things and betrays ignorance. If we are not grounded in “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints,” we are liable to be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Jude 33Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3); Eph. 4:13-1413Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:13‑14)). God cares about what we believe because it will form our walk. He wants us to be intelligent in His mind and ways. J. N. Darby said that no Christian knows his proper place without doctrine; and no Christian can walk rightly without it. We must have a clear understanding of “the Mystery” (the calling of the church, and its nature and unity), so that we know what God is doing in this world in this present day. It is only then that we can accord ourselves properly with God’s program. Timothy was to pay attention to doctrine, and so are we.
“Reproof” [conviction] is another profitable thing that the Scriptures produce in souls. The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to detect hidden evils in our hearts. We are often blind to our own faults, but the Scriptures have a way of exposing them (Heb. 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)). We may have false motives that we are not aware of, but the Word of God will expose them. David said, “The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is Thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse Thou me from secret faults. Keep back Thy servant also from presumptuous sins” (Psa. 19:9-139The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (Psalm 19:9‑13)). He spoke about the sweetness of the Word of God, but then, he added that in reading it his heart was searched in the presence of God. It led him to cast himself upon the Lord that he might be kept from “presumptuous sins.”
“Correction” would set forth the right way in either doctrine or practice. Having convicted us about what is not right in our lives, the Word of God also instructs us in the way that is right. It gives positive direction for the new nature that wants to do the will of God. This is a special aspect of the Word of God that would refute error on doctrinal or practical issues and set it right. As error abounds in the Christian testimony, correction is important. The epistles to the Corinthians and to the Galatians are particularly corrective in nature and are very profitable. Corinthians corrects carnality, and Galatians corrects legality.
“Instruction in righteousness” is found in the Word too. This refers to the practical portions of the Word of God. The Scriptures abound with instruction on practical matters for our homes and our personal walk with the Lord. It is what helps us to keep on the narrow path of the truth.
“Doctrine”—tells us what is right.
“Reproof”—tells us what is not right.
“Correction”—tells us how to get right.
“Instruction”—keeps us going right.
Moreover, the Holy Scriptures make the Lord’s people able ministers of the truth of God. Used properly, they make the man of God “perfect [complete]” and “thoroughly furnished [fully fitted] unto all good works.” Thus, he is fully equipped for the work of serving the Lord in whatever capacity to which he may be called. Whatever the need may be for the moment, the servant will have a ready answer for the situation. What a great resource in a day of ruin! It not only preserves us from danger and instructs us in what is right, but it is also a mighty instrument to help the saints to be motivated “unto all good works.”
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These safeguards and resources that Paul pointed out to Timothy are for all the saints of God. Used properly, they will be the means by which we will be kept in dark and difficult days. We are thankful that God has not left us to grope along on our own strength to find our way through the confusion, but He has supplied us with all that we need for the path.