How to be equipped for every good work
2 Timothy 3:10-17
10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 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. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of”. These words really stand out to me, as Paul encourages his mentee Timothy to persevere in faith and ministry.
Timothy must have been discouraged by many around him being deceived and burdened by experiencing persecution. Paul encourages Timothy to make a choice to continue in what he believes, to ground himself and be equipped through the God-breathed scriptures, scriptures that are valuable to teach, rebuke, correct and train in righteousness.
So how do we continue in faith? How do we become trained in righteousness and equipped for good works? By being established in the word of God, through which God transforms each one of us.
Lord, thank you for your word. Thank you that it reveals the good news of Jesus Christ to me, leads me into righteousness and equips me for your good work. When hardships come, please help me to remember your hope, love, and promises that are found in your word. Amen.
Written by Ps. Andie Molteno