it's all good.

2Tim3:16-17 (nlt)

16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

I would fall into the camp that believes 100 percent in the infallibility and inspired without error view of scripture. I believe Paul would have also fallen into this category, as well as young Timothy. But just because it came from God, and that it is pure and true does it all really apply?

Here Paul reminds Timothy of 4 main things regarding scripture. 2 of these relate to doctrine, and 2 of them relate to practice.

He states that ALL scripture is inspired by God and 1. is useful to teach us what is true...2. and teaches us to do what is right

secondly he states that 1. it makes us realize what is wrong in our lives (correcting us) and 2. it is used to prepare/equip us for his mission.

I love that Paul roots Timothy in these 2 purposes of the word, for teaching (doctrine) and for change (practice) why? because i believe this is the way that we should be reading our bibles! for the purpose of being taught SO we can put to practice that which we are being taught. way too often do i read my bible as a history book, or a credo of ideas and ideologies. when i should be reading it as (forgive me for the lack of metaphor) but an instruction manual.

because ALL scripture is useful for both.

1Tim3:12-15

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Suffering is a theme that Christ himself did not shy away from. he knew that we would face many adversaries here on earth, he knew that his message would cause us suffering, he prayed specifically for us in regards to such suffering. Paul again reminds Timothy of this fact, he reminds him that there will be people who will deceive, and come up against the message and also reminds him that those who deceive will in the end be deceived.

The challenge then again to Timothy is to remain faithful to the things he was taught, knowing that they are true because of the reliability of those who taught him. BUT not only is it that the people who taught him that were reliable, but it is teaching that is based on and rooted in the "holy Scriptures" and it was through that curriculum that Timothy was able to experience and receive salvation.

This is one of the personal moments in this letter, it is not a reminder to Timothy to preach and teach despite the denial and push against the Gospel around him. instead it is a reminder for Timothy to personally remain rooted in that which he has been taught, AND, that which he has experienced. And THAT is not ideas and ideologies from the teachers in his life, instead it is in the bible, it is the reminder that he is to remain rooted in the infallible, inerrant and inspired word of God. Paul knows that if Timothy does not continue to root himself in God's word and promises, that he will never be able to teach others, or come up against the deceivers etc.

We must continue to remind ourselves, that it is not only about programs, ideas, church work, meetings etc. But remembering to stay rooted and connected to the truth and doing all other things out of the overflow that comes as a result of truth working through us.