4 I’m giving you this commission in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is coming to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom. 2 Preach the word. Be ready to do it whether it is convenient or inconvenient. Correct, confront, and encourage with patience and instruction. 3 There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will collect teachers who say what they want to hear because they are self-centered. 4 They will turn their back on the truth and turn to myths. 5 But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances. Endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the good news, and carry out your service fully.
Reflection
In second Timothy 2, verses 14 – 26, Paul appeals to Timothy to transmit the gospel through sound teaching. Paul lists characteristics of sound biblical teaching:
Its purpose is useful.
Its information is foundational and correct.
Its bearer is fit.
Its presentation is considerate, showing regard for others.
Its not debate, a teacher rightly explains “plainly and directly”
It’s to have a desire to help believers who are erring to find repentance.
In 2nd Timothy 3, verses 10 through 13 Paul reminds Timothy of what his life has been saying, you have paid attention to my teaching, conduct, purpose, faithfulness, patience, love, and endurance. You have seen me experience physical abuse and ordeals in places such as Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I put up with all sorts of abuse, and the Lord rescued me from it all! In fact, anyone who wants to live a holy life in Christ Jesus will be harassed. But evil people and swindlers will grow even worse, as they deceive others while being deceived themselves.
Paul then finishes by saying to Timothy that a teacher must be persistent. You must continue with the things you have learned and found convincing. You know who taught you. Since childhood you have known the holy scriptures that help you to be wise in a way that leads to salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing mistakes, for correcting, and for training character, so that the person who belongs to God can be equipped to do everything that is good.
In case you are saying, well I am not a teacher or a minister, how much does this apply to me, here is the answer.
2 Timothy instructs common believers that Scripture is divinely inspired, profitable for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping us all for every good work. It is the ultimate source for wisdom leading to salvation through faith in Christ, urging us to stay the course and not be swayed by false teachings and worldly distractions. It emphasizes that “all scripture is God-breathed” and practical for daily life.
In essence, 2 Timothy tells every Christian that Scripture isn’t just for religious leaders; it’s our essential guide for life, equipping us to live faithfully and discern truth from error in a challenging world.
by Clarence Beverage
For Pondering and Prayer
What feels most inspiring from verses 1–5? Why?
In what ways do those instructions apply to all followers of Jesus?
Prayer: Holy Lord God, we thank you for seeing our anguish and fear of what can happen when people appear to care only for themselves and ignore the values you have made know to the world. We ask that your response to our prayer will accomplish your will which is always good, acceptable, and perfect. Please help us to feel strong in you, live faithfully, and always live out your Word. Amen.
