A | 1: 10. Contrary to sound doctrine.

B | 4: 1. Latter times--doctrines of devils.

C | 4: 6. A good minister . . . of good doctrine.

D | 4: 13. Give attention to . . . doctrine.

D | 4: 16. Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine.

C | 5: 17. Double honour--labour in the word and doctrine.

B | 6: 1. God and His doctrine not blasphemed (admonition to servants).

A | 6: 3. Consent not to wholesome words . . . and to the doctrine . . .

At the beginning and end of this letter there is a warning that some will oppose sound

doctrine. This is reinforced by chapter 4:, which speaks of the latter times and seducing

spirits and doctrines of demons. This is balanced by the admonition to servants to respect

their masters and count them as worthy of all honour, so that the name of God and His

doctrine be not blasphemed.

In 4: 6 and 5: 17 we have the picture of the good minister who himself is well

nourished in the faith and of good doctrine, so encouraging the brethren in their spiritual

lives. Such ministers are worthy of double honour because they labour in the word and

doctrine. They conduct a teaching ministry and are worthy of financial support, for the

labourer is worthy of his hire (or reward) (verse 18).

This leads us to the central references (4: 13 and 16) where we have Paul's instruction

to Timothy to be diligent in reading, exhortation, and doctrine (teaching). Do not let

anyone despise your youth, he wrote. Be an example to all believers. Don't neglect the

gift you have. Watch, or give heed to your own life and to the teaching. Conduct a

teaching ministry.

To complete this study, we must record the occurrences in II Timothy and Titus:

A | 3: 10. Thou hast fully known . . . my doctrine.

B | 3: 16. All scripture . . . inspiration . . . profitable for doctrines.

A | 4: 3. They will not endure . . . sound doctrine.

The central feature in II Timothy is that ALL Scriptures is profitable for doctrine. If

our teaching is to be sound, it must take account of the whole of Scripture, which is given

by inspiration of God. Paul reminds Timothy that he already knew Paul's teaching, as

well as his manner of life and the many afflictions he had suffered. Timothy, too, will

suffer persecution but he must continue in the things which he had learned. He mentions

Timothy's training from a child, when he was taught the way of salvation by his

knowledge of the Word of God. Then follows the declaration of the inspiration and

profitability of the Scriptures. Paul exhorts Timothy to preach the Word, but warns him

that the time will come when men will not bear (or endure) sound doctrine.