Every Scripture Is God-Breathed

Paul writes: But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. He describes people who are lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, disobedient to parents, unthankful, and unforgiving. They will be lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding a form of godliness but having denied its power. Paul tells Timothy to turn away from them. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, such people oppose the truth, but everyone will see their foolishness.

Timothy, in contrast, has followed Paul's teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and steadfastness. He knows the persecutions Paul suffered at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. Paul writes: I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all. Paul adds that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will face persecution, while deceivers will grow worse and worse.

Paul writes: But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. Since infancy Timothy has known the holy Scriptures, which can make him wise to be saved by trusting in Christ Jesus. Then Paul gives a central truth about the Bible: Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. The purpose is that God's people would be fully ready for every good work.