2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

Do you believe God’s Word provides you with everything you need to follow him? The false teachers in Ephesus didn’t believe this. That’s why they stopped teaching the gospel and were promoting their own ideas. But these verses remind us that God’s Word has authority – every word in the Bible is inspired by God, and God’s Word is sufficient for every aspect of life and ministry.

As a pastor and teacher, Timothy must teach the gospel and train or disciple believers to live godly lives. He must rebuke false teaching and correct sinful patterns of behaviour. It is God’s Word that will equip him for these tasks. If Timothy continues to know and obey the Scriptures, he will be ‘thoroughly equipped’ for the good work God has called him to (v. 17). Whatever false teaching or difficult pastoral issues he faces, Scripture will enable him to deal with them.

It is not only pastors and teachers who must rely on God’s Word to equip them for ministry. All of us are called to serve God in the works he has prepared for us (Eph. 2:10). If we serve without depending fully on God’s Word, we’re not doing ministry the way God intends. His Word must be at the heart of all we do.

It’s tempting to neglect God’s Word, but we need it. When we face hostility from work colleagues or rejection from family members, it is God’s Word that will sustain us. When we struggle to trust God with our health, relationships or finances, his Word will increase our faith in him. When we feel inadequate to serve at church, God’s Word will provide the wisdom and help we need. As we battle sinful patterns of behaviour in our lives, God’s Word will help us grow in holiness. God’s Word is not only necessary but all we need.

Reflection

Think about the different ways God has called you to serve him in your home; in your place of work or study; and within your church family. Are you depending on his Word to equip you for every task? How can reading and applying God’s Word make you more fruitful in your service?