Continue Thou in the Things II Tim. 3 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO
Paul told Timothy to continue in two things: the things that he learned from Paul and the holy scriptures. Timothy continued in:
The things he learned from Paul – 2 Tim 3:14 – Timothy was Paul’s son in the faith [1 Tim 1:2]. Paul instructed Timothy, and others whom he taught, like a father [1 Cor 4:14-16]. The process is like Prov 4:1-4. A father’s instructions become the pattern for life; thus, Paul told Timothy to continue in those things which he learned [2 Tim 1:13]. You can still see this model today. Young men trained under certain older men of God are “marked” with what God gave them through these older men. The characteristics and doctrines of men like Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., Dr. Peter Ruckman, Dr. Jack Hyles, Dr. Jim Vineyard, Dr. Beauchamp Vick, Dr. Tom Malone, etc. are apparent in the men they trained.
The holy scriptures – 2 Tim 3:15-17 – the scriptures are by far the most important thing in which we are to continue. As Timothy knew the scriptures from childhood, so our children must learn them in their childhood, as well. As Timothy learned from his mother and grandmother [2 Tim 1:5], so parents must teach their children the scriptures [Deut 6:6-9]. In addition to this home training, we teach children at church in Sunday school and Bible clubs. The scriptures make children “wise unto salvation.” Certainly, it is best for children to be saved in childhood and to live for Jesus their entire lives.
The benefit of scripture is that:
It is given by inspiration – 2 Tim 3:16 – inspiration is the process by which we understand the scriptures [Job 32:8]. The Holy Spirit is the teacher [Jn 14:26; Jn 16:13-14] when we read [Is 34:16], study [2 Tim 2:15], and believe [2 Thes 2:13] the scriptures. So, we are not dependent upon scholars to tell us what the Bible “means.” However, God does use men to help us understand clearly and distinctly what the Bible “says,” [Neh 8:8, Eph 4:11-12].
It is profitable for doctrine – sound doctrine is essential. It is the teaching and instruction of the Bible [2 Tim 4:2-3]. It’s what God says; not what man says. Thus, we are to learn and follow the doctrine of the Bible and we are to avoid doctrine that is contrary to the words of God [Rom 16:17-18].
It is profitable for reproof – reproof is criticism for a fault. “Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,” [Prov 6:23]. The Bible continually points out your faults by giving you God’s perspective on your life.
It is profitable for correction – after your fault has been manifested by reproof, correction brings you back into conformity with God’s words [Rom 12:2]. By reproof you put off the things of the old man and by correction you put on the things of the new man [Eph 4:22-24].
It is profitable for instruction in righteousness – the only way to live the Christian life is to yield to God and to his righteousness [Rom 6:13]. The scriptures are what instruct you in his righteousness. They are a lamp to your feet and a light to your path [Ps 119:105]. They show you how to proceed after you have been reproved and corrected.
It makes you perfect and throughly furnishes you – 2 Tim 3:17 – you are perfect, not in the sense of sinlessness, but in the sense of being perfectly suited for what God wants you to be and do. Job was the perfect man to endure the suffering from the devil [Job 1:1]. Noah was the perfect man to build the ark [Gen 6:9]. God created us for his good works [Eph 2:10]. Thus we are to be zealous of good works [Titus 2:14] and we are to maintain good works [Titus 3:8]. These cannot be accomplished apart from the work of the holy scriptures in our lives.