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.