2Timothy 3:14-16, August 23, 2026.
Key Text: When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also ( 2Timothy 1:5).
The Second Epistle to Timothy, sometimes referred to as the Apostle Paul’s “swan song,” was written to encourage the young minister to be a “good soldier of Christ Jesus.” It is evident that Paul is again a prisoner (1:8) and he longs to see his young son in the faith once more before he dies, a dying request. Paul’s “last will and testament” bids Timothy to “serve with a clear and pure conscience with no unconfessed or hidden sins; and pray without ceasing v 3, preserve the apostolic Gospel pure and unchanged “as did my fathers” and guard it against the increasingly vicious attacks of the false teachers, train men to transmit it faithfully and be ready to take on and share suffering in the defense of it v4, “call to remembrance” v 5 the precious memories of the powerful influence of godly parents and their influence on the world, and “Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee” v 6 without repentance. This means that the particular power to preach and defend the truth requires adding fresh fuel to the gift; for example, the putting on of hands.
No man, however well-instructed in the things of God, is out of the reach of temptation, and apostasy (abandonment of religion). Hence, the necessity of watching unto to prayer, depending upon God, and continuing in the faith, will safe-guard and preserve unto the end (3:14). Paul reintroduces Timothy’s faith in Christ to show how his early religious education was “able to make thee wise unto salvation” v 15. It is also important to teach the Word of God to children in order to bring them to salvation. Scriptures about Doctrine, Reproof, Correction, and Instruction are controlled by God so that they are not left to human limitations. They are not only profitable for salvation but for sanctification and Christian growth as well. They are all we need for faith and doctrine. AMEN!
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