The inspired Word is also profitable for reproof. The word means `refutation of error'

and the conviction that comes from it. Correction is next mentioned by the Apostle.

This means to `straighten out' or to set right what is wrong; and both ideas are included

in the next item, "instruction in righteousness".  The A.V. has rendered this word

`chastening' or `chastisement' in Heb. 12: 5, 7, 8, 11.  "Discipline" would be a good

rendering. We all need the constant discipline and guidance of the Scriptures, otherwise

we shall surely stray from the pathway of Truth.

Paul links the Word of God with the infant (brephos, 3: 15) and right through to

spiritual adulthood, to being a `man of God'. This outstanding title was first borne by

Moses, and then by Elijah, Elisha, David, Shemaiah and Igdaliah. Timothy, who was

well acquainted with the O.T., could not fail to appreciate the importance of this title

when it had been borne by so many illustrious characters.

The Apostle continues: "that the man of God may be perfect" (complete, R.V.). The

Greek word is used of the complete equipment of a soldier for service, or of a ship for a

voyage. All that is necessary for the voyage of life is found within the covers of the

Book. There is no need to look anywhere else. Such divine equipment would cause

Timothy to be `furnished completely unto every good work' (verse 17 R.V.) and thus he

could be the loyal and fruitful servant that God desired, and this is true of all of us today

who seek to walk worthy of the `high calling of God in Christ Jesus'.

Chapter 4: opens solemnly with a charge to Timothy. We are now reading the

Apostle Paul's last words of his written ministry to his son in the faith and they are rich

with meaning and importance. When writing his first letter to Timothy the Apostle had

used the word `charge' twice (I Tim. 5: 21; 6: 11-14) in connection with church affairs.

Here was his last charge:

Timothy's gaze is now directed from himself once more to the Lord Jesus and the fact

of His future assessment of his Christian service. Some would like to eliminate this from

the Body of Christ, just as others would remove the word `kingdom' from this church and

limit it to the people of Israel. We have dealt with this before, but would again point out

that this is indeed dangerous and must be avoided by all those who desire to be

commended by the Lord as faithful witnesses to His truth. Later on in the chapter, Paul

describes Christ as `the righteous Judge', Who will award him the `crown of

righteousness' (4: 8). All wise Christian servants will constantly keep an eye on this

future assessment of service by the Lord and this will deliver them from bondage to men

or man's approval. Only His verdict will matter in that day.

Let us not miss truth because of archaic words in our A.V. "Quick" means living, so

from this verse we can deduce there will be some members of the Body who will be alive

at the Lord's manifestation. All of us should therefore "live . . . . . looking for the blessed

hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2: 12,