November 13, 2025 - 2 Timothy 3

Paul continues to contrast the ungodly with the godly.  He warns about the last days:  “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty” (3:1) and all the ungodliness that will be evident.   He tells Timothy, though, that the young man has followed the apostle’s example.  And Paul exhorts him, “But 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” (3:14-15).  We must remind ourselves, daily, of the importance of being in God’s Word regularly.  It is there that he speaks to us.  It is there that he lights the path of salvation.  It is there that he tells us how to live and that we must lean on him.  Unbelievers care nothing about the Bible.  Professing, but not genuinely believing, Christians care little about the Bible and are seldomly found reading it.  The true child of God, however, testifies with Paul:  “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (3:16-17).  The true believer testifies with the psalmist, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  How good is our God that he has not left us to find our own way but has lighted the path before us!

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,

urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,

sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,

Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.

Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,

speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,

teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us;

Lord of the word, receive your people’s praise.   -- Timothy Dudley-Smith (1969)