2 TIMOTHY

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).