The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy, who, according to 1 Timothy 1:2 was Paul’s “son in the faith.” This means that the Lord had used Paul to lead Timothy to the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation.  Paul was a faithful spiritual father to Timothy.  He wrote two epistles to Timothy to encourage him in his spiritual walk and give him needed instruction.

Let us read 2 Timothy 3:10-15 to get the context of the passage.  “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”  Paul encouraged Timothy to continue serving the Lord even when he suffered persecution as a result of living a Godly life.  Timothy had been blessed to be taught the Scriptures since he was a child, which is a credit to his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:5. How thankful we should be if we have been blessed with a Godly mother or father who taught us the Scriptures!  If not, is there someone else who taught you the Word of God who you could thank today?  Are we reading the Word of God in our homes to the little ones among us?  Oh, how this is needed today.

Paul continued that the Holy Scriptures “are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”  True wisdom is found in the Word of God.  However, let us not be surprised when unsaved people reject God’s Word and its teaching.  As we read in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”  We also read in 1 Corinthians 1:20, “hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”  God, in His marvelous grace, is able to use His Word to open the eyes of unbelievers to their ruined, sinful condition.  Through faith in Christ’s finished work on the cross for their sins, they have salvation for now and all eternity.  According to Ephesians 2:9, salvation is “not of works, lest any man should boast.” It is only by faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Have you trusted in the Lord Jesus as your Savior?  If not, do so today!  (178.2)  (DJ)