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2 Timothy 3:10–17
“As for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (vv. 14–15).
Discipleship and teachings on the practices of disciples can be found throughout Luke’s gospel. In our study of Luke 9–10, for example, we find teaching on the cost of discipleship (Luke 9:57–62) and Jesus’ praise of Mary for growing as a disciple by listening to Jesus’ teaching (Luke 10:38–42). Soon we will be covering some of Jesus’ most important instruction on prayer (Luke 11:1–13), the means by which disciples speak to Christ. Thus, we find ourselves in a good place to pause our study of Luke for a few days and look a little more closely at the means by which we become more faithful disciples of Jesus. Dr. R.C. Sproul’s teaching series Five Things Every Christian Needs to Grow will guide this study.
Bible study forms the foundation of Christian discipleship. A disciple, fundamentally, is a learner, and as we follow Jesus as disciples and citizens of the kingdom of God, we are seeking to learn from Him. In this post-Apostolic era, the only place that we find the actual teaching of Jesus is sacred Scripture, which is the written record of divine special revelation that equips us for spiritual maturity and gives us everything we need to know to be saved and to live a life that is pleasing to God. Paul makes this point in today’s passage, which stresses that the Scriptures make us “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” and equip us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:10–17). Note also that the text speaks of the reality of persecution for followers of Jesus (vv. 12–13). What does the Apostle tell Timothy that he must make sure to do under persecution? To well know and to continue to believe the Scriptures. There is hardly a better way to state the importance of Bible study than that.
Scripture is God’s Word and is both unlike and like other books. It is unlike other books in that it is divinely inspired. Therefore, it is without error and has power to achieve God’s purposes (see Isa. 55:10–11; 2 Tim. 3:16–17). It is like other books in that it uses genres found in other literature to convey its message. For example, Scripture includes poetry and narrative prose. To understand Scripture, we need to read it as we would read any other book, paying attention to genre; it has no hidden meanings, and it does not require a special code to unlock its significance. It can also be helpful to have a pen or highlighter handy when we are studying the Bible so that we can take notes or even underline themes or words in a passage.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
To grow as disciples of Christ, we must study the Word of God. This includes reading it, meditating on it, attending to the faithful preaching and teaching of it, and studying it. Our stage of life and responsibilities may affect how we do this, but at minimum we should be hearing the preaching of God’s Word weekly and seeking to find time to read it.
for further study
- Psalm 119:65–72
- Ecclesiastes 12:13–14
- Matthew 5:17–20
- James 1:16–18
the bible in a year
- 1 Chronicles 24–26
- John 11:28–44