2 Timothy 3:14-17
All Scripture Is God-Breathed
Read the passage
14But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them.
15From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Timothy is to continue in what he has learned and firmly believed. He knows the people who taught him, and he has known the Holy Scriptures from infancy. Their faithful teaching is a reason for gratitude and confidence as he faces deceptive teachers.
The Scriptures can make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Their saving message leads to Christ; simply having heard the words since childhood is not the same as trusting Him. Familiarity is a gift to use, not a substitute for faith.
Paul explains why Scripture has this authority and usefulness: it is God-breathed. Its source is God. It teaches what is true, exposes wrongdoing, corrects us and trains us in righteousness. Those uses belong together. Learning the truth equips us to recognize error and practice what pleases God.
The purpose is a person fully equipped for every good work. Timothy needs Scripture for his teaching and for his own life. God uses His word to prepare His people for faithful action, including patient service, honest repentance and clear instruction. Timothy should therefore remain with the Scriptures he has received and allow them to keep teaching and correcting him.
Questions
1 Why should Timothy continue in what he has learned?
AnswerHe knows his teachers and has known the Holy Scriptures since infancy. He should remain with the truth he has firmly believed.
2 How can Scripture make someone wise for salvation?
AnswerIt directs the reader to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Knowing its words should lead to trust in the Savior.
3 What does Paul say about Scripture's source and uses?
AnswerScripture is God-breathed and useful for instruction, conviction, correction and training in righteousness. God teaches and forms His people through it.
4 What is the purpose of this instruction and training?
AnswerIt equips the servant of God for every good work, preparing both Timothy's teaching and his conduct for faithful service.
What This Means for Us
As you read a passage, ask what it teaches, what it exposes and what response it calls for. Give time to understand it before deciding how to act.
Thank God for those who have taught you Scripture, and remain willing to be corrected by it. Choose a clear instruction to practice, then return to the passage as you learn to obey.
Prayer
God who speaks, thank You for the Scriptures and those who have taught them to us. Lead us to faith in Christ, correct our errors and prepare us for good work through Your word. Amen.