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The SECOND EPISTLE to TIMOTHY.
No.34. The Fourfold Equipment of the Man of God (3: 16, 17).
pp. 8 - 12
As the limit of our space had been reached when we had dealt with the opening
statement of II Tim. 3: 16, namely, that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God",
we were obliged to defer the consideration of the consequences of this statement until the
present article. In order that we may perceive the relation of parts in this passage, let us
note the following:
All Scripture Divinely Inspired
Therefore profitable:
for
doctrine
\
/
The man of God
for
reproof
\ in order /
may be perfect
for
correction
/
that
\
thoroughly furnished
for
instruction
/
\
unto all good works.
Writing to the Hebrews, the Apostle said: "The word preached did not profit", and the
reason that he gives is "lack of faith" (4: 2). This supplies an important corrective. The
Scriptures, even though divinely inspired, are addressed to intelligent moral creatures.
They are certainly "profitable" if received by faith, acknowledged by obedience and held
in love, but there is not the slightest warrant for believing that they can be of any profit to
anyone who does not "mix with faith" the things he hears. If it were otherwise, then the
superstitious Jew who wears his phylacteries or who fixes the Mezuzah to his doorpost is
an example to be followed. It is well to realize the mind of God in this matter. Take
another example. The epistle of James ask a pointed question and only a shallow reading
could ever misunderstand and lead to the idea that James is teaching something contrary
to justification by faith.
"What doth it profit . . . . . though a man SAY he hath faith, and have not works? can
faith save him?" (2: 14).
Or when the apostle speaks to the Jew trusting in the external rite of circumcision:
"For circumcision verily profiteth if thou KEEP the law; but if thou be a BREAKER
of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision" (Rom. 2: 25).
Or once more, let the apostle show the hollowness even of martyrdom, where
"charity" is lacking:
"And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be
burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing" (I Cor. 13: 3).