2 Timothy 3:10-17 Fully Equipped

Paul returns his focus to Timothy. He extols his perseverance in following Paul’s example of following Jesus. Paul also assures Timothy that it is not going to get easier but to lean into the word, which will see him through.

Paul is not expecting to get out of his current situation. He wants to leave Timothy with a strong word of encouragement. The best accolade he has to offer is what he has seen in Timothy’s life. Paul has followed wherever the Holy Spirit has led him. And Timothy has faithfully followed. Timothy hasn’t simply tagged along but joined in fully, even in times of persecution. Timothy has “followed my teachings, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecution and sufferings” (verses 10-11a).

God had been faithful to Paul in all his distress and had delivered him each time. Paul also knew there was a reason for each deliverance and that at some point (soon, he expected) where God would see him safely into Heaven. But Timothy still had work to do on earth.

Being a believer in Christ wasn’t going to get any easier. Persecution was sure to continue and “evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (verse 13).

So how would Timothy go on without Paul’s support? By clinging to God’s word. I wonder if Paul knew that the words of his letters would one day be what we cling to. Did he recognize the Holy Spirit breathing into his pen? I think he probably did but he didn’t include his own letter in this category.

He spoke of “the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (verse 15). These were the writings of the Old Testament. The same writings which the Jewish leaders misused and misunderstood. That didn’t change their power or origin. The difference was in the last part of Paul’s identifier; “through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Faith in Jesus brings the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit brings understanding. He was the ultimate author so He can bring light to it. We have that same Spirit in us today, when we have Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He trains us with His words just as thoroughly as He trained Timothy and Paul.

But we have to be willing to spend time with Him for it to happen. You don’t get an instant decoder ring when you “join up.” Instead you get a developing relationship where He can speak deeper and deeper things into your life as that relationship grows. Without that relationship the words just lie there on the page. With it, they come to life and impact your life and MINE!

Thank You Father for Your word. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who brings me understanding. I LOVE it when “my pen takes on His thoughts.” Those are the times I KNOW He is speaking directly into my life for MY growth. Thank You for speaking through the pens of all the authors You have given me to learn from. I wonder if they ever felt the awe of their pen taking on “life” like I do when You pour into it. I KNOW my words are never going to achieve the things theirs did, but I LOVE sharing what You share with me anyway. Hopefully You are using them in other’s lives too. Thank You for letting me be a small part of Your work. THANK YOU for working in my life through Your word!