By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist
Read 2 Timothy 3:1-17
“Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read….” (Isaiah 34:16a).
Someone once said: “A knowledge of the Bible is essential to a rich and meaningful life. The words of the Bible have a way of filling in the missing pieces.”
For centuries philosophers have struggled with the problem of a Supreme Being. Who is he? Where is he? What is he? If there is such a God, is he interested in me? If so, how can I know him? These and a thousand other questions about God are answered in the book of the Lord that we call the Bible. Notice the following:
First, expect problems (2 Timothy 3:1–9). Perilous in verse 1 means “difficult,” “hard to deal with,” or “dangerous.” It is the same Greek word used to describe the demoniac in Matthew 8:28 and translated “exceedingly fierce.” How do we live for Christ in such terrible times? The person who is looking for a soon-coming paradise on earth is destined for disappointment. To expect these perilous times is to become not a pessimist but a realist. Notice the emphasis on the wrong kind of love (verses 2, 4).
Second, follow the right examples (2 Timothy 3:10–12). We tend to emulate the people we admire, so be careful about the heroes you select. Modern-day Christian celebrities may not exemplify the life-style God wants us to have.
Third, stay with the Bible (2 Timothy 3:13–17). Believe God’s word (verse 15). It can mature you from childhood to adulthood (verses 15, 17), and equip you to serve the Lord (verse 17). Satanic deception is rampant today and has infected the church (verse 13), and the only weapon that defeats the deceivers is God’s inspired word, the Bible
What is the purpose of the Bible? Of course, salvation is the first purpose (verse 15), but Christian living is also included. The word is profitable for teaching (doctrine), conviction (reproof), setting right (correction), and discipline (instruction). It enables the child of God to become a man or woman of God, matured in the things of the Lord.
“Perfect” (verse 17) does not mean sinless; it means “mature.” And “thoroughly furnished” means “fully equipped” (verses 16-17). So, the Bible transforms the child of verse 15 into a mature person in Christ; it equips true believers to be servants.
It is fine for Christians to take study courses and learn methods of ministry, but the best way for them to equip themselves to serve God is to study and practice the word of God. Study books tell us how, but the Bible gives us the motivation and power to live what we learn.
The great need among churches and Christians today is to return to the Bible. If the churches do not get back to God’s word, the satanic deceivers will take over and millions of people will go to meet God’s judgment because they were led astray by religious lies.
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
