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for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
They are
essential for the perfecting and outfitting of the man of God.
Notice the two extremes that meet together at the Word of God. The "child" (brephos,
the newly-born babe), is made wise unto salvation; the "man of God" is thoroughly
equipped for service--both by the self-same Word. The Scriptures are equally powerful
as an instrument of salvation (3: 15) as they are for the utmost demand of service
(3: 17), and fill all the interval of doctrine and correction that either and all may need.
The apostle here links the special teaching which he gave to Timothy with the Divinely
inspired Scriptures. "Let another praise thee" saith the Word. Now note what Peter
declares. He says:--
"No prophecy of the Scripture is of its own unfolding, for the prophecy came not in
old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost" (II Pet. 1: 20, 21).
That is Peter's conception of "Scripture". Now hear his testimony to Paul:--
"Even as our beloved brother Paul.......hath written unto you.......which they that are
unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also THE OTHER SCRIPTURE" (3: 15, 16).
Paul's writings are ranked by Peter with the other Scriptures which were not produced
by the will of man but by God. When Paul drew Timothy's attention to his own special
set of Scriptures, he was but reiterating the message of II Tim. 2: 15. While all Scripture
is inspired, it needs to be rightly divided to obtain the truth for the times. This takes us
back to the earlier utterance in chapter 1: 13, 14:--
"Have a draft of sound words, which thou didst hear FROM ME.......The good
deposit do thou guard."
So in chapter 2: 2, when speaking of apostolic succession [evangelist (4: 5),
teachers (2: 2)], the apostle emphasizes his special teaching:--
"The things which thou hast heard FROM ME by many witnesses, these things
deposit (see 1: 14 parathēkē and parathou) among faithful men, who shall be competent
to teach others also."
If we would have a weapon that will never fail, it must come from the armoury of
Scripture, and if we would fight the good fight, stem the tide, and be unashamed in that
day, then we must firmly grasp the special revelation committed to the apostle Paul,
taught by him to Timothy, and in turn passed on down the age to the feeble company who
still perceive some of its glory and grace. If we would "strive lawfully", we shall "rightly
divide the Word". The Word contains rules for more contests than those into which we
are called, and to mis-apply these various conditions spells shame and failure.
If the times are perilous, or fierce, we have a sure word for our evangel and our hope.
Let us hold fast the faithful word in this day of darkness, looking for that blessed hope.