2 Timothy 3:14-17

Timothy Is To Abide In The Scriptures As He Has Always Done (2 Timothy 3:14-17 ).

So what Timothy must do is remember what he has learned from the cradle. For he was fortunate enough to be brought up on the sacred writings, the Scriptures, which are able to make him wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. He must remember therefore that they are ‘God-breathed’ and are there in order to provide all that he can possibly need to make him a complete man of God and to prepare him for every good work that might lie ahead. Compare 2 Timothy 2:21. There he was prepared for every good work by being founded on the firm foundation (2 Timothy 2:19) and being a pure vessel in the household of God as a result of purging himself from false teaching and all unrighteousness. Here he will be prepared by studying the Scriptures and thus becoming a complete man of God, ready for every good work.

Analysis.

a But you, abide in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing of whom you have learned them (2 Timothy 3:14).

b And that from a babe you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).

b Every scripture, inspired of God (God breathed) is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

a That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:17).

Note that in ‘a’ he is to abide in what he has learned, and in the parallel the consequence is given. In ‘b’ the sacred writings are spoken of and what they will achieve, and in the parallel the same occurs.