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2 TIMOTHY: DIVISION II
THE PREDICTIONS OF THE LAST DAYS, 3:1-17
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C.The Godly Mark of Living in the Scripture, 3:14-17
(3:14-17) Introduction: Christians have always stressed the importance of the Bible or of the Scripture. Why? What is the importance and value of Scripture? This passage explains, declaring in no uncertain terms: the godly mark of a believer is that he lives in the Scripture.
1.A believer must live in the Scripture (v.14).
2.Scripture makes a person wise unto salvation (v.15).
3.Scripture is inspired by God (v.16).
4.Scripture is profitable to man (v.16).
5.Scripture perfects a man and equips him for every good work (v.17).

1. (3:14) Scripture— Study— Teachers, Godly: believers are to live in the Scriptures. Timothy had been taught the Scriptures all of his life. When he was only a child, his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois had rooted him in the Scriptures (2 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 3:15). They were both strong believers in the Lord. Paul had also grounded Timothy in the Scriptures. But note a most critical point:
it is not enough to have learned the Scripture.
it is not enough to be assured that the teachings of Scripture are true.
it is not enough to know that your teachers teach the truth.
Timothy knew all this. He had learned the Scriptures and he had found the Scriptures to be true. The claims and promises of Scripture had worked in his own life. Timothy also knew his teachers; their lives bore testimony to the truth of Scripture. But this was not enough.
Note the word “continue” (mene PWS: 763). It means to abide, dwell, remain, and stay in the Scripture. Simply stated, Timothy had to live in the Scripture—live, move, and have his being in the Scripture. And more, he had to live out the Scripture—continue to walk and live in the truths of the Scripture. He had to do what Scripture said.

Thought 1. Note four significant points in this verse.
1)A person is to learn the Scripture.
2)A person is to be assured of the Scriptures, apply them to his life, and experience the truth and assurance of them.
3)A person is to know his teachers—make sure that they teach the truth of the Scripture.
4)A person is to continue in the Scripture: abide and dwell, remain and stay in the Scripture. He is to live and move and have his being in Scripture.

2. (3:15) Scripture: Scripture makes a person wise unto salvation. If man needs anything, he needs wisdom, wisdom about how to be saved. Death and every other evil imaginable rushes about and floods the world of man. The strongest among men are swept about and drowned by...
drugs
disease
broken homes
bad habits
pride
license
selfishness
greed
envy
war
murmuring
loneliness
lawlessness
immorality
broken health
lusts
indulgence
prejudice

crime
accident
loss
enslavements
conceit
power
extravagance
gluttony
jealousy
death
grumbling
purposelessness
discrimination
drunkenness
murder
gossip
emptiness

There is no end to the evil that is drowning man and his world. What man and his world need is wisdom, the wisdom to save himself and his world. Is such a wisdom available? This is the glorious message of this verse, “Yes!” The Holy Scriptures are able to make man wise unto salvation. The Holy Scriptures can save man and his world. How? “Through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” It is the Holy Scriptures that tell us about God’s great plan of salvation for man, about how God saves man through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Holy Scriptures alone and no other book...
that tells us that God loves the world—that He loves the world so much that He sent His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world to reveal and tell us the truth.
that tells us that Jesus Christ has taken care of the problem of righteousness and perfection—that He lived a perfect life and secured the ideal and perfect righteousness for man—that when a man believes in Jesus Christ, God takes that man’s faith and counts it as righteousness.
that tells us that Jesus Christ has taken care of the problem of sin and death—that He took all the sins of men upon Himself and bore the penalty and punishment of those sins—that He died for man—that when a person believes in Jesus Christ, God takes that person’s faith and counts it as the death of Christ—that God counts the person as having died in Christ and thereby he never has to die.
that tells us that Jesus Christ has taken care of the problem of living forever—that He has been raised from the dead to live eternally in the presence of God the Father—that when a person believes in Jesus Christ, God takes that person’s faith and counts it as the resurrection of Jesus Christ—that the person is counted as having been raised in Christ and is thereby given eternal life.
The point is this: the Holy Scripture tells us how we can be saved through God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. No other book reveals this to man. The only wisdom that can ever save this world is the wisdom of God Himself, and that wisdom is found in His Holy Scriptures, the Holy Bible.

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3).
“Sanctify them [set them apart to God] through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31).
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come” (1 Cor. 10:11).
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9).
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
“The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130).

3. (3:16) Scripture: Scripture is inspired by God. This is an extremely important verse in understanding the nature of Scripture, that is, in understanding just what the Scripture is, its nature and authority. Note several facts.
1.Paul was, of course, referring to the Old Testament Scriptures; the New Testament Scriptures had not yet been completed. However, this passage is certainly applicable to the New Testament.
William Barclay says: “If what Paul claims for Scripture is true of the Old Testament, how much truer it is of the still more precious words of the New Testament” (The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, p.229).
A.T. Robertson, the great Greek scholar, says: “There is no doubt that the apostles claimed to speak by the help of the Holy Spirit (1 Thes. 5:27; Col. 4:16) just as the prophets of old did (1 Peter 1:20f.)....Peter thus puts Paul’s epistles on the same plane with the O.T.” (Word Pictures in the New Testament, Vol.6, p.179).
The point is this: all Scripture—both the Old and New Testament—is inspired by God.
2.Scripture is inspired by God; the phrase “inspired of God” (theopneustos PWS: 2165) means God-breathed. What does this mean? What does it mean to say that God breathed the Holy Scriptures? No one can say for sure, but this much can be said.
The idea is that God breathed out the Scripture or God produced the Scripture somewhat like He did creation.

“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth” (Psalm 33:6).

Note: it is the Scripture that is inspired, not the man. The Bible does not claim to be written by inspired men. It does claim that the writing is supernaturally given or breathed by God. The Scripture is breathed out by God, not breathed into by God. The meaning is this: the writing is supernaturally given or breathed by God. The Bible claims to be the Word given by the creative breath of God.
The great Greek scholar A.T. Robertson again says: “God-breathed...[this] is in contrast to the commandments of men” (Word Pictures in the New Testament, Vol.4, p.627).
The great Bible expositor Matthew Henry says: “It [Scripture] is a divine revelation, which we may depend upon as infallibly true. The same Spirit that breathed reason into us breathes revelation among us: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men spoke as they were moved or carried forth by the Holy Ghost, 2 Peter 1:21. The prophets and apostles did not speak from themselves, but what they received of the Lord that they delivered unto us” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Vol.5, p.846f).
The excellent preacher Oliver Greene says: “God Almighty is sovereign; and if we are saved through the power of the Gospel; if the Gospel makes us wise unto salvation; if it is not God’s will that any man perish but that all come to repentance, we can rest assured that He has preserved and protected His holy Scriptures down through the centuries!...Anything we need to know about our relationship to God and His relationship to us is found in the Bible. We need no added books, and we cannot afford to take any away. If we add to or take from His Word, God will take away our part out of the book of life. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. ‘Given by inspiration of God,’ according to the Greek dictionary, is one Greek word, meaning ‘God-breathed’” (The Epistles of Paul the Apostle to Timothy and Titus, p.355).
3.The accuracy and dependability of Scripture is clearly seen when one studies what Scripture has to say about itself. (See note—1 Thes. 2:13 and Deeper Study #1—1 Thes. 2:13; note—2 Peter 1:19-21, Deeper Study #1—2 Peter 1:19-21, and Deeper Study #2—2 Peter 1:19-21.)
a.The Holy Spirit is the author of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:19-21, esp. 2 Peter 1:21). The word of prophecy is more accurately translated prophetic word. The origin of Scripture is not found in the will of man, that is, in his attempt to find truth and to interpret truth. But it is found in the Word of the Holy Spirit who reveals truth to man (cp. John 16:12-15; 1 Cor. 2:9-10).
b.The writers of the Old Testament claim that the Bible is the Word of God (2 Samuel 23:1-3; Isaiah 8:1, 11; Jeremiah 1:9; Jeremiah 5:14; Jeremiah 7:27; Jeremiah 13:12; Ezekiel 3:4-11; Micah 3:8; Jeremiah 23:29; Habakkuk 2:2; Zech. 4:8). They refer to Scripture as “the Word,” “the Statutes,” “the Law,” and “the Testimonies” (cp. Psalm 19:1f; Psalm 119:1f). “Thus saith the Lord” or an equivalent phrase is used over two thousand times in the Old Testament alone.
The writers of the New Testament confirm the claims of the Old Testament writers (Hebrews 1:1; cp. Matthew 1:22; Matthew 2:15; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Ephes. 4:8; 1 Tim. 1:18-20). They show the high authority of the Scriptures when they use phrases such as, “It is written” and “Scripture says.” They expected the readers and hearers to be bound by Scripture.
c.The writers of the New Testament claim that the Bible is the Word of God (Acts 15:28; 1 Cor. 2:13; 1 Cor. 3:1; 1 Cor. 11:23; 1 Cor. 14:37; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; Galatians 1:11-12; 1 Thes. 2:13; 2 Peter 3:2). Paul affirmed in behalf of all the aspotles that their words were divinely taught (1 Cor. 2:13, note the word we). Peter asserts the same level of authority for the writings of the apostles as for the Old Testament Scriptures (2 Peter 3:2). The view of inspiration was clear in the early church: the first church council stated that the conclusions of the council were given by the Holy Spirit through the leaders (Acts 15:28f).
d.Jesus Christ claims that the Bible is the Word of God. He contrasts the Scriptures and the commandments of God with the traditions and instructions of men (Mark 7:6-13). He equates the word of Moses with Scripture and His own word with the word of Moses and both as the Word of God (John 5:38, 45-47). He says, “the Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). He validated the most minute portions of Scripture (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17). He continually argued the validity of Scripture (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; Matthew 22:29, 32, 43; Mark 12:24; Luke 4:4, 8). He saw Himself as the focus and fulfillment of Scripture (Luke 24:25-27). He asserted that what was written must be fulfilled (Luke 22:36-37). He predicted and approved the New Testament and assured His apostles that they would be kept from error (John 16:13).
f.The Bible is absolutely trustworthy (Matthew 24:35). “The Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:34-35).

“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thes. 2:13).
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).
“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

4. (3:16) Scripture: Scripture is profitable to man. The word profitable (oôphelimos PWS: 3056) means useful, beneficial, and helpful. Simply stated, the Bible is for man; God gave it to help man. There are four very specific helps found in the Bible.
1.The Bible is profitable for doctrine. God wants man to know beyond doubt who God is; who man is; and the beginning, meaning, and end of all things. The Scripture reveals the truth—the nature, meaning, and significance of truth. The Bible gives man the principles and rules for life. It gives him the doctrines and foundations of life.

“Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
“Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:16-17).
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).
“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

2.The Bible is profitable for reproof. God wants man to sense conviction and to be rebuked when he is disobedient to God’s will. The Scripture reveals God’s will and the consequences of disobedience to His will.

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment....Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth [the Word of God]: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come” (John 16:7-8, 13).
“For 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).
“Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them” (Jeremiah 5:14).
“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh rock in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29).

3.It is profitable for correction. God wants man to be set aright when he is wrong. The Bible teaches obedience by teaching a person to discipline himself, even to the point of suffering (Hebrews 5:8).

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15:3).
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17).
“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephes. 5:26).
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9).

4.It is profitable for instruction in righteousness. God wants man to know the right things to do, to think and to say. The Bible reveals how to live “soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13).

“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:14-15).
“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Peter 2:2-3).
“And I commanded you at that time all the things which ye should do” (Deut. 1:18).
“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).

5. (3:17) Scripture: Scripture perfects a man and equips him for every good work. By “perfect” (artios PWS: 2887) is meant complete, matured, filled. No person is complete or mature apart from Scripture. Man was made for God and he is to live by the Word of God. If he tries to live without God and His Word, man fails in life. He lives an incomplete, immature, and misfitted life. This is particularly true of the man of God, the person who claims to be a minister or teacher of God’s Word.

Thought 1. Scripture alone, the very Word of God itself, can make a person complete and equip him for every good work.
William Barclay’s comments on this point pierce the heart and need to be heeded by everyone of us:

“The study of the Scriptures trains a man in righteousness until he is equipped for every good work. Here is the essential conclusion. The study of the Scriptures must never be selfish; it must never be simply for the good of a man’s own soul. Any change, any conversion which makes a man think of nothing but of the fact that he has been saved is no true change and no true conversion. He must study the Scriptures to make himself useful to God and useful to his fellow men. He must study, not simply and solely to save his own soul, but that he may make himself such that God will use him to help to save the souls and comfort the lives of others. No man is saved unless he is on fire to save his fellow men” (The Letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, p.232).

What a convicting statement: “He must study...that God will use him to help to save the souls and comfort the lives of others. No man is saved unless he is on fire to save his fellow men.” What an indictment that every man of God must heed. We must study more and more—we must allow the Scripture to stir us more and more so that we will reach out to save souls and to minister more and more.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matthew 28:19-20).
“Seach the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few” (Acts 17:11-12).
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:1-4).
“And it [God’s Word] shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statues, to do them” (Deut. 17:19).