But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra–what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me (Italics mine). Yes, and all who desire to lie godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim.3:10-17) *Observation*
One of the best things about being able to fix things around your house is that you no longer have to be an expert on any one craft, or highly skilled in carpentry to remodel. Youtube has channels you turn to where experts will demonstrate and show you step by step on how to fix and replace things around the house.
Paul was a powerful example to his young protege’ Timothy, who watched him live his life and actions he took. From a prison in Rome, Paul wrote, “You. . . know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, endurance, persecutions, and sufferings” (vv.10-11). All of these could make anyone be filled with anxiety about following Christ. In addition, he urged Timothy to “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you have learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures” (vv. 14-15). It’s one thing to read about someone who does extraordinary work in serving others, and quite another to actually know someone and watch him daily as he lives his life for the Lord. Paul commends Timothy’s faith in Ch. 1, which he was shown first by grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice. Now Paul’s life demonstrated the necessity of building our lives on God’s Word by reminding Timothy that the Scriptures is our powerful God given source.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God—(Gr. theopneustos): The Greek word means “God – breathed,” difficult to fully recreate the thought of this Greek expression in English, scholars are fairly sure that Paul meant to say that all Scripture was breathed out of God. Which is the primary meaning but could also mean that the Word was “inbreathed,” or inspired by God. The first definition affirms the Bible’s divine origin; the second speaks of God’s spiritual presence in the Word. Thus, God not only inspired the authors who wrote the words of the Bible, but He also inspires those who read it with a heart of faith.
You know even the experts on Youtube channels had somebody at one time teach them. As we thank God for everyone who has helped us grow in our faith, may we be challenged to ask the Lord in prayer to help us willingly desire to be examples used by the Lord to help others in following Christ. Our inspiration truly comes from the Holy Spirit who compels us through the love of Christ.
Lord, help us to be faithful in our daily walk with You, to sit before You each day taking in Your Word, equipping us so that others will benefit from having You in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen