The Foundation of God’s Word
Throughout this year I will be addressing important theological topics that junior high and high school students need to know as they prepare for the calling that God has for them as men and women. The first topic is the foundation of God’s Word.
The Westminster Confession of Faith (1647) first deals with Scripture and then second deals with God the Trinity. This is not to make Scripture of more importance than God. But very wisely the writers of the confession realized that before we can speak of God we must know how it is that we can even know God. On the firm foundation of God’s Word we can then speak with confidence and assurance about the God who can be known and has revealed himself.
One of the classic passages on the authority of Scripture is found in 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Paul and Timothy had known each other for about 20 years by the time Paul wrote 2 Timothy. Timothy was not a novice and yet there were important things that Timothy still needed to learn. And so it is most interesting that Paul in giving encouragement to Timothy again reminds him of the sure foundation that is found in God’s Word.
It is this sure foundation that enables you to see in a darkened world. It is this sure foundation that enables you to overcome your own sin and temptation and deal with the trials that God sovereignly brings into your life.
The context of the passage is all the suffering and challenges that Paul faced that Timothy also needs to be ready to experience. Paul speaks of Timothy of being familiar with his teaching, conduct, goal in life, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, persecutions, and sufferings. Timothy had known Paul for almost 20 years by the time Paul wrote 2 Timothy. So Timothy was not a teenager, but a man probably in his middle to late 30’s or 40’s by this time. Timothy had already been involved in many aspects of Paul’s mission. But there were still lessons that Timothy needed to learn; he need to still grow in his service to the Lord.
If this is true for Timothy it is certainly true for every young man and woman. Home schooling is a great blessing but it is only part of the preparation.
In verse 12, Paul shares a difficult truth with Timothy. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Christian education must be seen not as an attempt to escape from the world but to be ready for the challenge of living a godly life in the midst of antagonistic world. The world which we are in is well described by Paul in verse 13. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
The challenges that you will face are not identical to what Timothy endured but there are certainly some areas of similarity. I believe that young Christian men and women will face three specific challenges as they continue their education and preparation for serving the Lord.
1. Increased challenges to your faith from professors, false teachers, and the world in general. And don’t think that just because you are planning to attend a Christian college that your faith won’t be tested by either professors who may well be impostors (verse 13) and fellow students.
2. Personal trials including illness, death of family or friends.
3. The temptations of the world – money, fame, relationships, etc.
The way to face these temptations and trials is shown by Paul in verses 14-15. Continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of. Timothy was also to consider those who had given him instruction. Paul here likely was referring to Timothy’s mother and grandmother and the instruction that Paul himself had given to Timothy. How important it is that we not only remember what we have been taught but also our teachers.
Paul also reminds Timothy that from childhood he had known the Scriptures. We don’t know if Timothy was educated at home but he had received a great blessing. His father was not a believer but Timothy was blessed with a mother and grandmother who had taught him well.
And then finally Paul reminds Timothy that he can rest in the sure foundation of God’s Word.
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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Scripture is given by inspiration. Literally the word from Greek means God-breathed. At least 3,000 times we read in Scripture, Thus saith the LORD. Either Scripture is what it says that it is, or it is the biggest lie and piece of garbage. There is no room for compromise.
Scripture is useful or profitable for teaching. It is the most important thing to share with others. It is useful for reproof. The only way to truly stand against the evil in our culture is to stand on the truth of God’s Word. Scripture is profitable for correction or improvement. Certainly there is a place for godly literature but the most urgent need is not for more books but for a greater understanding of God’s Word. Scripture is profitable for training in righteousness.
The blessing that God’s Word gives through the working of the Holy Spirit is so that we might be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Continue in what you have learned. Rest in the solid foundation of the inspired and infallible Word of God. Keep your focus on what Christ has done and continues to do for you.
Themocracy
I totally agree that we must continue in the scriptures. The Bible is still the most important book in the history of mankind and will always continue to be as long as we Christians remain strong in the faith. Only the help of God through his word can help us defeat the evils thrown at us each day in this world of sin.
Indeed Mr. Calvin. The better we know the scripture, the more we know the will of God and thus more equipped to serve Him correctly and accurately, thereby enjoying His blessings. May I add the instruction Paul gave Timothy in His second letter;
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH. I fear this is sorely lacking in many pulpits today.
Thank you for your service to our Lord.
KMPrice