which we have been considering is used for the 'fitting out of a ship'.  Now

the world has a proverb which says, 'There is no back door to a ship', the

obvious meaning being that the equipment of a ship for a voyage must be

thorough, comprising within itself provision for all possible contingencies,

and it is the glory of the Scriptures given by inspiration of God, that such

an equipment for the man of God is their special province.

So far we have pondered the fact and the meaning of the equipment; we

must examine this complete equipment in relation to its context.  We have

seen that the words 'throughly furnished' indicate complete equipment, both

in matter and in method.  We now examine the context in order that by its

light we may the better see what this complete equipment involves and

implies.  Just as it is true that no man liveth unto himself or dieth unto

himself, so it is true that all words used in rational discourse take some

colour and modification from the passage in which they are found.  Thus the

expression 'A well -furnished house' conjures up an entirely different set of

ideas from the expression 'A well -furnished mind', yet the difference lies

not in the word 'well -furnished' but in their relationship either with a

'house' or a 'mind'.  We must therefore not rest satisfied with having

examined the meaning and usage of exartizo, but go on to consider the bearing

that the context has upon its meaning.

As we look at the context that precedes and follows this word, the

first fact that registers itself upon the mind is that it is almost entirely

related to the Holy Scriptures.  These Scriptures are said to be profitable

for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction (2 Tim. 3:16), and

the exhortation follows in the next chapter to 'preach the Word ... reprove,

rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine' (2 Tim. 4:2), which most

evidently looks back to the characteristics of the Word, already examined in

2 Timothy 3:16.

By scrutinizing the whole epistle we discover that 2 Timothy 3:10 to

4:8 constitutes a complete member, and this will set the bounds of the

immediate context which we are seeking.  Broadly, it may be set out thus:

A

3:10 -12.

Paul's doctrine and ministry.

The Beginning.

B

3:13 -17.

Scripture for doctrine.

C

The Judge and His appearing.

B

Preach the Word ... with doctrine.

A

4:3 -7.

Paul's doctrine and ministry.

The End.

C

The Judge and His appearing.

Omitting for the time being the reference to the beginning and the

ending of Paul's ministry, we have the closer context of chapter 3:13 to 4:2,

which we must now examine more closely.  This passage opens with the

deception that arises from the teaching of evil men, 'deceiving and being

deceived', and looks down the age to the time that will come when men shall

turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables.  In contrast

with such fatal error the apostle places the 'throughly furnished' man of

God.  This man of God was once a child; this man, who is now seeking to serve

his Lord once needed to be shown the way of salvation.  We are not only saved

to serve, but no one can possibly serve who has not already been saved, 'for

all have sinned':