Instruction with purpose

Read 2 Timothy 3:1–4:22

14. Remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.
15. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.
16. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.
17. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. . . .
4:2. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. . . .
5. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 2 Timothy 4:2, 5

Little League coaches know that very young ball players have to use a tee to learn how to bat before they can swing and hit pitches. Surgeons have their interns watch procedures before they let them pick up a scalpel. Parents of budding violinists endure hours of squeaks before enjoying the beautiful notes of a school orchestra. Practice makes perfect—or at least makes things better.

The same principle applies to spiritual growth. Believers cannot get better (become more like Christ) without regularly studying God’s Word and applying it to their lives. That is why Paul tells Timothy about the Bible’s usefulness in teaching what is true and right. As you read, evaluate your “practice” schedule.

Also in this passage, Paul gives a glimpse of the future. Life on earth does not look good for Christians, but Christ will return soon and take us to a better place.

God gave the Bible so that people could learn to love and serve him (2 Timothy 3:16-17). A lot of the study and learning we do in life aims to make us smarter or more knowledgeable. That will happen when we study the Bible, but it’s not the main reason that God gave us his Word. God wants us to change our thoughts, behavior, and character.

Some people use their knowledge of the Bible only to win arguments or to make themselves look clever. Besides missing the aim of having such knowledge, they become worse people, not better, by falling into pride (see 1 Corinthians 8:1-3).

Never flaunt your knowledge of God’s Word. Study the Bible to learn how to live, not to win an argument or to show somebody up. Seek to know Christ and learn to do good.