English
Scripture Summary
2 Timothy 3:10-17 NIV
A Final Charge to Timothy
10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Reflection on the Scripture:
In the process of evangelism, it is often mistakenly believed that relying solely on the gospel truths we proclaim is insufficient to draw people to know the Lord Jesus. This view is too narrow, leading some to attempt to widen the narrow gate to the kingdom of heaven. This has been a mistake I’ve made for many years, turning the content of the gospel into another means of self-fulfillment. I forgot about God's sovereignty in choosing and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The message believers should share is one that leads people to repentance, a message that pierces the heart. Those who truly believe in the Lord Jesus as their Savior and the Lord of their lives recognize their sinful nature and are willing to deny themselves. This is a continuous process of being broken. The apostles all gave thanks to God for this process of brokenness (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7).
The Apostle Paul set a good example for Timothy and reminded him to remember his identity and the experiences of being broken and suffering. Paul also told Timothy that this is an ongoing, unchanging process—do not be deceived, but stand firm. Why? Because it is God's promise. Paul wanted Timothy to know that what he spoke, what the prophets spoke, was not from themselves, but from the Lord (2 Peter 1:21; 2 Timothy 3:16).
God’s Word and Spirit enable believers to be satisfied and willing to do good to bless others and glorify God’s name (2 Timothy 3:17; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:5-7). The Lord Jesus said, "Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" (John 7:38). This life of doing good and blessing others is like water irrigating the fields.
To become this constant source of blessing, an indispensable resource is the Word of God (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11, 119:105; John 6:63; Philippians 4:8; Hebrews 4:12). However, humans are forgetful and need the Holy Spirit’s constant reminders (John 16:6-7, 14:26). This is the greatest blessing the Triune God has given to believers: He wants His Word to be firmly remembered, engraved on the hearts of His followers (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:2-3, 119:11, 119:105; Ephesians 6:17; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 4:12).
Is God’s Word in your heart? Is God’s Spirit reminding you? Have you experienced God’s refining? What is written on your heart?
Response through Hymn:
Thy Words
https://youtu.be/a6LC8cu03Ig?si=1GfA9TTdfMYOJG4a
祢的话
借我赐恩福
Make me a blessing