Fully Equipped

Who is Timothy?

Timothy was referred to by Paul as his son in the faith. He was a younger man, most likely converted during Paul’s first visit to Lystra Timothy’s home town. He worked with Paul on his second missionary journey, and was with Paul during his Roman imprisonment. Timothy was given the task of helping the church at Ephesus with the problems they were having. This letter was written by Paul to Timothy for instruction, and encouragement.

Context

Paul is addressing the problem of false teachers and In chapter three of 2 Timothy Paul gives Timothy some encouragement that he should cling to what he knows (God’s Word) and has been taught by Paul and his mother and grandmother. Paul describes how things will be in the last day, these are the days since Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection, and this is why Timothy is to follow what he has been taught. Paul also assures Timothy that he has everything that he needs.

2 Timothy 3:10–13 ESV

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

2 Timothy 3:14–17 ESV

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The Contrast and the Hope

2 Timothy 3:10–11 ESV

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me.

This phrase “You however” shows the contrast here with what Paul discussed in the first part of this chapter. Timothy followed Paul’s example. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to be imitators of him as he is an imitator of Christ. He also encourages him, with how God had rescued him from all his persecutions.

The Truth

2 Timothy 3:12–13 ESV

12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Paul is honest with Timothy, that we will all endure some type of persecution for our faith in Christ while we are still here on earth. And the evil will continue. God’s word does not sugar coat the reality of the world that we live in.

The Instructions

2 Timothy 3:14–15 ESV

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Paul instructs Timothy to continue on, to keep working, to remain faithful. He is to cling to what he was taught about the “sacred writings” (the Old Testament). It is through this that we are made wise for salvation, faith comes through hearing the Word (Romans 10:17). Faith can be summarized as active trust and belief displayed through obedience, but it is not just intellectual, or cognitive belief. It involves the whole self: mind, heart and body: in a relationship with God that expresses trust and a grateful response to His loving initiative (Faith Study Bible).

The Equipment

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

All Scripture not just some, not just the Old Testament, not just the New Testament, but all is breathed out by God. What does this mean, this is the doctrine of divine inspiration of Scripture. God is the source and ultimate author of Scripture, and it has the full weight of His authority. The Bible is the only infallible source of Christian doctrine. This is so important that we understand that God’s word is perfect, and gives us everything that we need to know. Lets look at each word by itself

Profitable: it is valuable because it saves, and it corrects false teachings, and builds up believers to live godly lives.

Teaching: This was Timothy’s primary task. For us as well.

Reproof: rebuke false teachings and admonish those who follow it.

Correction: setting one right, fatherly discipline.

Training: by instruction, warning, example, kindnesses, promises and chastisements.

Scripture is the complete and sufficient rule in all things. It helps us as believers to fulfill the work of the ministry, and is a gift from God. We are not just left out there on our own the KJV says “perfect throughly furnished”, the LEB says “competent, equipped”. God has provided us with His word, as well as each other so that we may do His good works in Christ. It is profitable ultimately leading us to righteousness, maturity, and service.

Drill Illustration.