The Jesus Channel

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2Tim 4:2).

Back in the day, local TV stations would go off the air over night. Yes, little ones, it’s true. Sometime in the early morning hours after the late late movie, an announcer would thank you for watching and end the broadcast day with the playing of our National Anthem. No overnight reruns of “Full House.” No infomercials about flipping houses or the Ab Buster 3000. Just a test pattern until dawn.

That’s not the case these days. Channels and cable networks are always on. They’re constantly cranking out the programs. Relentlessly broadcasting. They provide different kinds of shows for the different parts of the day for different kinds of viewers. They’re always transmitting. Relentlessly broadcasting.

Paul Didn’t Have Cable

While Paul didn’t have cable, satellite, or even Netflix, he was all in on this idea of the non-stop transmission of info. In a letter to a young preacher in Ephesus, the apostle tells Timothy, “Preach the word; be readying in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (v2). When it comes to telling folks about God’s grace, keep it coming.

Let’s fill in a little bit of the back story behind what we’re reading. The man formerly known as Saul hasn’t stopped spreading the message of Jesus ever since the day the resurrected Christ supernaturally mugged him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-5).

One day he’s a Pharisee with the life goal of wiping Jesus’ followers from the face of the earth. After the Lord literally knocks him off the dude from Tarsus off his high horse, he becomes His handpicked spokesman to non-Jews around the world. In case you’re keeping score at home, going from assassin to apostle is kind of a big deal.

This radical new assignment sends Paul all around the Mediterranean Rim telling folks about God’s incredible invitation into His kingdom through Jesus. While that’s great news to many, it’s a BIG problem to just about everybody with a position of power in the religious establishment. As a result, the apostle personally experiences many local prison facilities over the course of this new career. But it’s worth it. People everywhere need to hear the Gospel. That’s why he’s a relentless broadcaster.

A Letter from Behind Bars

As Paul writes Pastor Tim, he’s behind bars once again (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9). But this time is different. This time he’s on Death Row (2Tim 4:6-7). While the apostle hopes to see his protege one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21), his real reason in writing is to make sure the Good News keeps going (2Tim 2:1-4:5). There can be no interruption of service. This is no time for test patterns. There’s too much at stake.

This verse here in chapter four may well be Paul’s big point to the young preacher. The apostle tells Tim what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Tell people about Jesus. When it’s convenient. When it’s not. Challenge those who need challenging. Warn those who need warning. Urge those who need urging. When it doubt, A.B.C. Always. Broadcast. Christ.

God’s Spokesperson

Right out of the gate, Paul instructs him to “preach the word” (v2). If you grew up in church like me, the word “preach” conjures up images of boring, long-winded sermons that drone on forever and have little impact on real life. Preach = tedious, monotonous, lifeless, and colorless. Wake me when it’s over.

But the word we translate as “preach” from the original Greek language here is anything but mundane and mind-numbing. Κηρυσσω/kerusso means to announce formally and officially, publicly proclaim, tell everyone everywhere, make widely known, or broadcast. Back in the ancient world, this was the job description of a herald or official spokesperson of the king. So to “preach” is to speak with all the weight and authority of the person in charge.

In this case, Tim has the full backing of the one and only King of Kings. So does each follower of Jesus. Our Savior has fully authorized each believer to speak on His behalf. Just as the FCC gives a TV station a license to transmit over the public airwaves, Christ gives us His personal permission to broadcast the Good News. He licenses us to relentlessly broadcast.

Relentless Broadcasters in the Bible

Check out just a few times we see New Testament writers using the word “preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso)” when folks make official announcements. John the Dunker speaks on behalf of about the coming Messiah out in the desert (Mt 3:1; Mk 1:4, 7, 14; Lk 3:3). The Lord’s official biographers often refer to Jesus telling everyone everywhere about the love and forgiveness found only in God’s kingdom (Mt 4:17, 23; 9:35; 11:1; Mk 1:39; Lk 4:44; 8:1).

Christ said publicly proclaiming the Gospel was the main reason He came (Mk 1:38; 4:18-19). Our Savior tells His followers to make this Good News world famous (Mt 10:7, 27; 24:14; 26:13; Mk 3:14; 5:20; 6:12; 13:10; 16:15, 20; Lk 9:2; 12:3; 24:47; Acts 10:42). After Christ blindsides Saul of Tarsus outside of Damascus, the newest apostle immediately begins broadcasting that the resurrected Jesus is indeed the one and only Son of God (Acts 9:20).

Are Words REALLY Necessary?

It’s right about now that somebody is probably mumbling or grumbling about the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words when necessary.” We’ve attributed that little ditty to St. Francis of Assisi.

There’s just a couple of problems with this quote. First, while it’s absolutely critical that our actions line up with what we say, words ARE necessary. If my deeds don’t match my words, I’m indeed a hypocrite. But if we truly want people to hear about Jesus, we have to tell people that He’s the reason we do what we do.

Second, historians can find zero evidence that St. Francis said it. For Pete’s sake, if someone has said it in my small group or or I’ve read on the interweb, it HAS to be true, right? Right?!? They’ve looked everywhere in his writings. I hate to break this to you, but none of St. Frank’s followers or biographers attribute him ever saying anything close to this quote. As a matter of fact, the famous monk was known to preach (OUT LOUD!) in five villages in one day. He clearly believed words are incredibly necessary.

Paul makes it clear that transmitting the Good News is inherently verbal. “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso)? And how are they to preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) unless they are sent? (Rom 10:14-15). Words ARE necessary. Unclick your mute button and crank up the volume.

Our Programming Lineup

Now with the transmitter humming at full power, what are we to put on the air? What sort of programming should be part of our daily lineup? In a word, it’s “the word” (v2). Don’t overcomplicate it. Jesus’ best friend was the Apostle John. One of his favorite nicknames for the Son of God is “the Word” (Jn 1:1, 1:14). We’re to be the Jesus Channel. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time.

The Good News is the one and only message we see throughout the NT. Jesus tours Galilee “proclaiming (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) the Gospel” (Mt 4:23; Mk 1:14). When describing God’s great end game, Christ tells His crew that “this Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) throughout the whole world” (Mt 24:14; similarly in Mk 13:14).

After walking out of the graveyard and just before heading home to heaven, our Savior made it clear what we’re to do until He comes back. “Go into all the world and proclaim (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15). That’s why Paul tells the Corinthians, “We preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) Christ crucified” (1Cor 1:23) as well as “proclaimed (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) as raised from the dead” (1Cor 15:12).

What Exactly Is the Gospel?

We’re to relentlessly broadcast Jesus. We’re to publicly announce who He is and what He’s done on our behalf. Need a recap? Okey doke. Christ lived the perfect life of obedience to God’s commands that we’ve failed to live. He died the substitutionary death on the cross that we should have died. He rose to spectacular resurrection life that we don’t deserve. He does for us what we could never dream of doing for ourselves.

That’s the word we broadcast. Not the Bible Code. Not crazy theories about blood moons and the end times. Not wacky speculation about whether Jesus was married. Not to do better and try harder to please God. Not treating God like some cosmic Coke machine that dishes out blessings on demand. “Preach the word.” Broadcast Jesus.

God’s Promise and Pirate Radio

This is a great reminder about the collection of ancient documents we call the Bible. God wrote a book. It’s all about Jesus. It’s NOT about us. But it is FOR us. Jesus is the Hero of the entire story. At the very beginning, God promises Adam and Eve He would send a Savior to fix the mess they’ve made (Gen 3:15).

He continues making similar guarantees to folks like Abraham, Moses, and David. God never stops loving us despite our rebellion against His kingdom. Eventually the Son of God leaves the comforts of the heavenly palace and come to our rescue and die for our sin. Before returning to His Father, Jesus promises the ultimate encore when He will return to literally bring Heaven to Earth.

That’s “the word” (v2) we transmit. That’s the focus of our programming. That’s the basis of our broadcast. We’re like Pirate Radio, sending out a rebel signal of hope to a lost and dying world. We’re to be the Jesus Channel. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His message.

Broadcasting with Urgency

Paul gives Tim specific instructions on when to transmit the Good News. “Be ready in season and out of season” (v2). “Be ready” is actually the Greek verb that literally means “cause to stand” (Gr. -ιστημι/-istemi) “on” or “over” (Gr. εφι-/ephi-). It’s standing in particular place in order to do something suddenly or quickly. In other words, we’re to be all over it!

There’s an urgency just about every time we see this word in the NT. There was the time the religious police turn on the blue lights and rapidly respond to a call about Jesus teaching folks at the temple. They hightailed it over and “came up (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi)” to Him (Lk 20:1). Dr. Luke uses it when describing the elders’ and scribes’ ambush of Stephen when “they  came upon (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) him and seized him” (Acts 6:12).

After the Gospel turns the city of Thessalonica upside down and riots break out, a mob furiously “attacked (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) the house of Jason” looking for the followers of Jesus (Acts 17:5). The Roman commander describes to the governor how an angry Jewish crowd turned on Paul and he “was about to be killed by them when I came upon them (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) and rescued him” (Acts 23:27).

Paul wants us to be on hot standby and ready to tell folks about Jesus. Let’s not get caught off guard. Broadcasters warn people who are in the studio that every mic is always hot, every red light on every camera is always on. In the same way, disciples of the resurrected Rabbi from Galilee must not get caught off guard. Microphones are hot. Cameras are on. People are watching and listening. Are we urgently broadcasting His message of grace? Remember, the Good News is ALWAYS breaking news!

Preseason, Regular Season, Postseason, Offseason

The apostle instructs Tim that we’re to broadcast the Gospel not just urgently but constantly. That’s what he means when he says to tell folks about Jesus “in season and out of season” (v2). Every sport has a preseason, regular season, postseason, and offseason. TV shows premiere new episodes in the fall season before cueing up the reruns. When it comes to broadcasting the grace of Christ, there’s always a reason no matter the season.

Paul’s having a little fun with words here in the original language. He begins with “in season” (Gr. ευκαιρως/eukairos), which literally means “good (Gr. ευ-/eu-) timing (Gr. -καιρως/-kairos).” This is when it’s convenient, when the time is right, when the opportunity strikes, or when all conditions are perfect. These are those moments when God sets it on a tee for you. These are those rare but wonderful times when someone asks you a sincere question about your faith.

Similarly, “out of season” (Gr. ακαιρως/akairos) literally means “no (Gr. α-/a-) timing (Gr. -καιρως/-kairos).” You guessed it. This describes an inopportune time, an inconvenient moment, or unfavorable time. Instead of shutting down when the moment doesn’t seem right, the apostle says that’s just when we’re to lean in.

One important point about these “out of season” (v2) moments. We must be discerning and know our audience. That’s exactly what Paul did that day in Athens up on Mars Hill. He had done his research on what the residents believed. He found an open door when he learned about an “unknown god” and walked right through it (Acts 17:22-27). The message doesn’t change but our methods always do. So whether it’s preseason, regular season, postseason, or offseason, it’s always Jesus season.

A Three-Point Plan

The apostle gives Tim a three-point plan when it comes to the “how” of preaching the Gospel: “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (v2). His intent here is pretty simple. First, use overwhelming proof in God’s Word to show God’s people what they’ve done wrong. Second, warn them against potential dangers and the landmines of life. Third, cheer them on in the right direction. It’s the idea of afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Once again, Paul warns us against one-size-fits-all style of broadcasting. Sure, the core of the transmission is still and should always be Jesus. But like a TV station provides programming for its audience depending on the time of day, we should adjust our preaching according to who’s in the room. While the meat of the message is always God’s grace, we should use a very different approach when it comes to preschoolers, unbelievers, and mature followers of Jesus.

When you see the need to “reprove” (v2), use the power of Scripture to reveal blind spots. When folks need “rebuke” (v2), it’s time to post a warning about the cost that comes from the sin on the far side of the sign. And there are those times people need you to “exhort” (v2) them. When they’re living lives of love toward God and others, make sure to give them an “attaboy.” Or as it reads in the Message, “Challenge, warn, and urge your people” (v2 The Message).

Under Pressure in the Pocket

The apostle wraps up his broadcasting instructions by telling Tim to do it “with complete patience and teaching” (v2). “Patience” is the Greek word μακροθυμια/makrothumia, which literally means “long” (Gr. μακρο-/makro-) “heating” (Gr. -θυμια/-thumia). It’s keeping your cool under constant pressure. Preach the Gospel like a veteran QB who never freaks out when facing a wicked pass rush.

Don’t get distracted from what God has called you to do. And that’s “teaching (Gr. διδαχη/didache)” (v2). This is staying on message and remaining faithful to the core of Good News of our Savior. Again, methods will always change. The message never does. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His message. It’s the Jesus Channel.

Relentlessly Broadcasting Jesus

While there’s no question these commands are given from one preacher to another, every follower of Christ should be paying attention. Jesus calls every one of trusts in Him to get the word out (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8). Once again, I love how the Message drives it home. “So proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple” (v2 The Message).

Never turn off the transmitter. Never put up a test pattern. Send it out loud and proud. Let’s adjust our programming to fit our audience. But our core message never changes. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His Good News. It’s the Jesus Channel.

Don't Stop Believin'

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (2Tim 3:14).

You’ve heard their stories before. A small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world. A city boy raised in South Detroit. A singer in a smoky room. Strangers waiting. Streetlight people. You’re singing in your head right now, aren’t you? Yeah, me too.

Unless you didn’t grow up listening to ‘80s rock, never saw an episode of “Glee,” or have simply been living under rock for the past couple of decades, we’re talking about the song “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The boys from Journey have cashed a few checks thanks to their hit tune from 1981. Go ahead. Sing it out. You know you want to. “Don’t stop believin’! Hold on to that feelin’!”

While Paul never owned any Journey albums, he certainly knew what Steve Perry and the guys are singing about. The apostle expresses a very similar sentiment in a letter to his protege Timothy. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). No matter what else happens, don’t let go of what you know. Keep on trusting what you’ve learned. Keep on trusting who you’ve learned it from.

Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.

Pseudo-Christian Con Artists

Nobody can accuse Paul of “do what I say, not what I do.” Writing to Tim from behind bars (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9), he proves he’s a living, breathing example of someone who doesn’t stop beleivin’, who doesn’t stop applyin’, and who keeps on keepin’ on.

The apostle has faithfully followed Jesus all the way to Death Row in Rome (2Tim 4:6-7). With his execution not a matter of “if” but “when,” he fires off one last letter to the young pastor of the Ephesian church. Paul hopes he’ll see Tim one final time (2Tim 4:9, 21). Just in case that doesn’t happen, he chucks this note full of critical info about continuing to teach people about Christ (2Tim 2:1-4:5).

A big part of his instructions deal with fighting a team of spiritual hucksters who’ve wormed their way into the church. Led by a couple of guys named Hymenaeus and Philetus, they’ve distracted folks with all sorts of ridiculous garbage that sounds religious but has nothing to do with Jesus (2Tim 2:16-18).

They’re just the first in a long line of self-centered pseudo-Christian con artists who are nothing more than creepy sexual predators (2Tim 3:1-7). And the problem with these goobers is just going to get worse before it gets better (2Tim 3:13).

One of These Things Is Not Like the Other

At this point Paul puts the young pastor side by side with these religious hucksters and compares them. “But as for you” (v14). The contrast is obvious. The apostle’s phrasing in the original language emphasizes the HUGE contrast between Tim and the false teachers. As they sing on Sesame Street, one of these things is not like the other. One of these things is not the same. In this case, it’s Timothy.

Which brings us to one of those rather awkward moments of self-reflection. If we claim to be followers of the radical Rabbi/Carpenter from Galilee, are we different from those out to make a fast buck? Do I stand out from the crowd as someone who cares about people more than profit? Does my Savior shine brightly enough through my brokenness that folks can tell me from the counterfeit?

Keep on Keepin’ on

After clearly pointing out Timothy’s contrast to flimflammers of faith, Paul tells him what to do next. “Continue in what you have learned” (v14). Believe it or not, “continue” is the main verb and the key to unlocking the rest of the verse. And it’s in the form of a command. In other words, he tells Tim, “You must continue…You must keep on keepin’ on.”

The apostle uses a Greek word here (Gr. μενω/meno) which means to remain, abide, live, dwell, last, endure, or stay permanently. Dr. Luke describes the time a pregnant Mary moved in with her cousin Elizabeth and she “remained (Gr. μενω/meno) with her about three months” (Lk 1:56). When Jesus stops by the Samaritan village, they begged him to not to leave. “They asked Him to stay (Gr. μενω/meno) with them, and He stayed (Gr. μενω/meno) there two more days” (Jn 4:40). As they song says, “Stay…just a little bit longer.”

But one of my personal favorite uses of μενω/meno comes when Christ compares His relationship with us with a grapevine and its branches. Playing the part of grapevine is Jesus. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides (Gr. μενω/meno) in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn 15:5). Anything is possible when when make our home in Him. We’re spiritually fruitless when we we fail to stay connected.

When it comes to following Jesus, we must remain. We must last. We must endure. We can because He did. We can because He still does. Flip back a page or two and see what Paul wrote. “If we endure, we will also reign with Him…if we are faithless, He remains faithful” (2Tim 12, 13). Because Christ keeps on keepin’ on, we must keep on keepin’ on.

Going on a Field Trip

The apostle tells Tim to never let go of “what you have learned” (v14). In doing so, Paul uses a word (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) that can certainly mean sitting in a classroom. Ancient writers would use it when talking about someone attending a rabbinical school or seminary. Before we start falling asleep in class, let’s discover together what’s behind this term.

Μανθανω/manthano actually describes a learning experience outside the school. Think of it as taking an awesome field trip. It means to find out through exploration and discovery or to learn by personal and practical experience. Jesus busts the chops of the religious police when He tells them to discover God’s truth for themselves. Go and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’” (Mt 9:13).

A little later, the Lord makes an amazing offer to those thrown under the religious bus. “Take My yoke upon you and learn (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) from Me” so we personal experience just how gentle and humble our Savior really is (Mt 11:29). Paul tells his Philippian friends that he’s discovered and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) in whatever situation I am to be content” (Phil 4:11). The writer of Hebrews talks about how the Son of God fully explored the depths of willing submission to His heavenly Dad and “learned (Gr. μανθανω/manthano) obedience through what He suffered” (Heb 5:8).

Tim personally explored what it means to follow Jesus. He discovered firsthand as he obeyed the Lord’s leadership. This isn’t about classroom study, written assignments, and end-of-grade testing.

This kind of educational experience is done in the real world. It requires a field trip and exploration. We discover how to follow Jesus by loving those He places in our lives. We explore our walk with Him by willingly doing what He tells us. We discover God’s goodness when we apply what we learn and keep on applyin’.

Don’t Stop Believin'

Paul encourages Tim to never give up on what he has “firmly believed” (v14). When the Bible talks about belief, it’s NOT talking about some pie-in-the-sky, believe-with-all-your-might, if-you-can-dream-it-you-can-do-it sort of mumbo jumbo. Belief is an all out trust in something. Or in this case, Someone. That Someone being Jesus.

We’re to firmly trust in Who He is. And Who He is is the one and only Son of God. The sinless, spotless Savior. The Second Person of the Trinity. Jesus is SO much more than a legendary teacher with a few tips for a better life. SO much more than spectacular miracle-working healer. He’s God. Firmly trust in Who He is.

We also firmly trust in what He has done. Why? Because Jesus did for you and me what we could never dream of doing for ourselves. Christ lived the perfectly obedient life to God’s commands that we fail to live. He died the death for our disobedience and rebellion that we deserved. He even rose to a glorious new life that we certainly don’t deserve.

Our trust in Who Jesus is and what He has done isn’t a one time thing. I need Him just as much now as the day He saved me. We don’t just believe in Him once and walk the aisle as a teenager at church camp. We keep on trusting Him. We don’t stop believin’.

Firmly believing in the Lord means trusting in the goodness of His leadership. He loves us and wants His best for us. His commands aren’t some supernatural plot to spoil our fun. Actually, they are just the opposite. Obedience to His guidance is the ultimate secret to joy. Jesus calls it an overflowing life of blessing (Jn 10:10). It’s the whole reason He came. So don’t stop believin’.

Trust Your Sources

Back in Paul’s last letter to Timothy, the apostle reminds the young pastor that he can trust the sources of his spiritual info, “knowing from whom you learned it” (v14). One of those sources is the man writing this letter. Paul has already encouraged him to “follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me” (2Tim 1:13). He should never forget what he heard the apostle teach large groups (2Tim 2:2). Tim has been the apostle’s apprentice in every sense of the word (2Tim 3:10-11).

But Timothy has more than one teacher in his life. One thing we don’t see in our English translations is that “whom” is actually plural. Tim’s other sources include his Grandma Eunice and his mom Lois. Paul may be Tim’s spiritual father (1Tim 1:2; 2Tim 1:2), but the apostle recognizes the family members who have poured into his life like Mom and Memaw (2Tim 1:5).

A big part of those life lessons was the Old Testament. Remember, the only Bible First Century followers had was the OT. His family got Tim ready for life by teaching him Scripture from a very early age (2Tim 3:16-17). And when he was bigger, the young pastor learned of “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness” (1Tim 6:3). Let’s face it, if you can’t trust what Jesus has to say, who can you trust?

Quality journalists won’t go with a story unless they multiple credible sources. They don’t report something they hear from just one person. They don’t trust rumors. They don’t believe everything they read on the World Wide Interweb. They need multiple trusted sources in order to report the news. Tim has multiple credible sources when it comes to the Good News.

Tim could trust his sources. Can you? Who are your spiritual sources? Are you a member of a solid Bible teaching church? Are you part of a small group that digs into God’s Word? Do you have a Paul in your life? Do you do check out what you hear for yourself like the folks in Berea (Acts 17:11)? Make sure you have more than one source to confirm what you learn. Otherwise, you may go rogue with some sort of cockamamy understanding of Jesus.

So What Now?

You may be asking, “What good do these words from a 2,000-year-old letter are to me?” So very glad you asked. First of all, learning to follow Jesus is more than just loading up your brain with facts from the Bible. It’s all about getting out of the classroom and taking a field trip to grow your faith. Discover and experience what it means to love our Savior as we love the people He places in our lives. Learn it by applying it.

Don’t stop applyin’.

Remember that by firmly believing in Christ, we’re NOT trusting in ourselves. I’m going to fall short. I’m going to fail. I’m going to sin. We can take it to the bank that Jesus never comes up short. He’s forever faithful even when we stumble and fall. Trust in the only One who’s worthy of your trust.

Don’t stop believin’.

But the key to all this applyin’ and believin’ is back at the beginning of the verse. It’s all about continuing to do them. A life with Christ is a lot more than a one-and-done deal. Check how the Message spells it out. “Don’t let it faze you. Stick with what you learned and believed, sure of the integrity of your teachers” (v14 The Message). It’s abiding in Him. Making my home in Him. Keep on keepin’ on in Him.

Don’t stop believin’. Don’t stop applyin’. Keep on keepin’ on.

All Rise for Judge Jesus

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom” (2Tim 4:1).

Turn on TV late in the afternoon and you can’t miss them. Usually one local independent station airs every single one of them. We’re talking about court shows. The list is long. The People’s Court. Judge Judy. Judge Mathis. Divorce Court. Even something called Hot Bench, which sounds like a problem with the courtroom thermostat.

These are tremendous train wrecks of American culture. Folks losing their ever-loving minds and dragging each other to court over the silliest stuff. Neighbors suing neighbors. Customers suing business owners. Parents even suing their own kids. Over what? Cell phone bills. Dog poop. Dry cleaning. Throw in a countersuit and things get crazy!

My wife can’t wait to turn them on when she gets home. She absolutely loves them. Okay, I admit it, I do too. So what’s the secret sauce behind the appeal of these TV court shows? Pretty simple really. Justice. We all want it. We all have a burning desire for truth to come out. For the good guy to win. For evil to be punished.

Justice in Our DNA

Where does this deep sense of right defeating wrong come from? Well, I have a sneaking suspicion there’s actually a supernatural reason behind it. When God creates each and every one of us in His image (Gen 1:26-27), He places a healthy dose of heaven in our hearts (Ecc 3:11). As part of that deposit, God inserts a powerful passion for justice deep in our DNA.

Paul mentions the idea of supernatural justice in a letter to his protege Timothy. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom” (v1). Just before giving the young pastor important instructions about what to do next, the apostle basically makes this announcement in open the open court of Heaven.

Justice in the Real World

It’s at this point that you might ask what does a First Century preacher like Paul know about justice in the real world. That’s all well and good for the squeaky clean ivory tower of religion. But, dude, it’s just won’t do it in the day-to-day. It’s just not practical. If I don’t stand up for myself right here and right now, who will?

Well, the apostle isn’t exactly writing to Timothy from the comfort of a quiet church office. Far from it. The scene is a dark, cold dungeon in Rome (2Tim 1:16; 2:9). Paul knows he won’t be there long. He’s on Death Row and the clock is ticking (2Tim 4:6-7). He fires off what will be this one last letter with a pair of purposes. One, to pass the baton of ministry to the young Ephesian minister (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Two, to beg Tim for one final visit (2Tim 4:9, 21).

The Righteous Judge
When it comes to justice, we need to realize Paul lives in a period of history where there is very little. Nero rules the Roman Empire and the rest of the known world with an iron fist. Forget good defeating evil. This is all about might makes right.

But the apostle can face whatever Caesar throws his way because of one very important truth. He may be wrongfully convicted now, but his case will eventually go before the Righteous Judge. He worships the One who makes the final ruling on everyone’s eternal fate.

Paul knows that God presides over in the highest court in the universe. More specifically, the Son of God. The One who will eventually decide the everlasting destination of every single person who has ever lived. The One who’s coming back for a jaw-dropping and not-to-be-missed encore. The One who will establish a spectacular kingdom which will be, to borrow a familiar phrase, “on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt 6:10).

All rise for Judge Jesus.

Getting Everything on the Table
The apostle has something important to tell his man Tim. So important that he wants to go on court record. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead” (v1). In doing so, he pulls out a word in the original language of the New Testament that the ESV translates as “charge” (Gr. διαμαρτθρομαι/diamarturomai) which should cause his spiritual son to pay close attention, if he’s not already.

This verb means to strongly urge, earnestly insist, emphatically warn, or forcefully command. It carries the idea of making an incredibly serious declaration on the basis of presumed personal knowledge. Other than possibly is own flesh and blood, nobody knows Tim as well as Paul. After all, the apostle calls him “my beloved child” (2Tim 1:2).

The former Pharisee needs to get some out on the table. He can’t simply assume Timothy knows what to do once Jesus calls Paul home. He makes it clear. He puts it on paper. He says what needs to be said. In this case, we see the specifics in the very next verse. He tells Tim to “preach the word” no matter when or where (2Tim 4:2). But that’s for another time.

Truth in Love

Ever have someone close to you sit you down, look you in the eye, and tell you exactly what you need to hear? Not what you WANT to hear. What you NEED to hear. There is a BIG difference. There come those critical moments when those we love need to hear critical information. While we certainly need to drench those crucial conversations in grace and love, they must contain truth.

Maybe it’s a married friend who’s gotten a little too cozy with a coworker of the opposite sex. Maybe it’s loved one who’s filling their wine glass one too many times. Maybe it’s just before your child heads off to college. In whatever situation God places you, there will come a time for a frank and honest conversation.

There’s a relationship that allows you personal knowledge of the situation and leverage to speak into it. Don’t assume. Don’t hope they know. Say it. Out loud. Or on paper. That’s exactly what Paul is doing for Timothy right here.

Jesus is Watching

In the case of this conversation, the apostle knows that he and Tim aren’t the only ones taking part. It’s all “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus” (v1). Paul makes it clear that God is watching. “In the presence” is the Greek word ενοπιον/enopion. It’s a compound term which literally means “in the sight of” or “in the eyes of.”

The apostle drops this seven different times in his two notes to Pastor Tim. Twice he uses in when talking about how others are present who are watching and listening to what’s going on (2Tim 5:20; 2:14). Every other time, Paul makes it clear that nothing is hidden from God’s all-seeing eyes (1Tim 2:3; 5:4, 21; 6:13; 2Tim 2:14).

Don’t think that Jesus missed what you just did. He saw it. No matter where you are, He’s right there. King David wrote an entire worship song about God sees everything we do and knows everything we think because He’s there wherever we go (Ps 139). To paraphrase the old saying, “Wherever you go, there HE is!” And He’s watching.

Forget Santa Claus. Christ truly does see you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake. Don’t let this idea freak you out. The good news is that Judge Jesus loves you and wants His best for you. Does He me when I sin. No questions. How ‘bout when I goof up, mess up, and slip up? You betcha. But He’s also right there when I do something nice that nobody else notices…like putting down the toilet seat.

Knowing that Judge Jesus is watching leads to integrity and transparency. Integrity is living the same way all the time. There’s no reason to live one way at work, another at church, or another at home. Since Christ sees not just my actions but the heart behind them, I have the incredible freedom to live transparently. It allows me to be an open book with no hidden agenda.

Are You Ready?
Paul makes the point that Jesus is the One “who is to judge the living and the dead” (v1). Actually, a better understanding of the literal translation here is “who is ABOUT to judge” (v1 YLT, emphasis added). The Lord is ready and waiting to enter the courtroom and take a seat behind the bench. It’s imminent. We could hear the announcement to “all rise” at any moment.

As the judge, our Savior will make the call on every single eternal matter. “Judge” (Gr. κρινω/krino) means to evaluate, determine, decide, and ultimately administer justice. It describes coming to the correct conclusion based on all the evidence. At the end of the day, Jesus is the Decider. He sees everything. He knows everything. He has all the evidence. All the testimony. There’s absolutely no one better. No one more qualified.

You’re in Someone’s Seat

Okay, it’s time to put on our big boy and big girl pants. If Judge Jesus is the only one qualified, authorized, and empowered for the position of Decider, guess where that leaves you and me? Let’s put it this way, there’s only one seat behind the courtroom bench and it’s not yours. There’s only one gavel and it belongs to Someone else. Only Judge Jesus makes the call. Not you. Not me. So take off the robe and step away.

I’ll let Carey Nieuwhof take it from here. “Judgment is grounded in arrogance…Judgment always says I’m better than you, I know more than you and I’m also superior to you.” Those of us who constantly deliver verdicts on the lives of others eventually find ourselves alone. We’ve run everyone away. Let’s face it, who really wants to hang out with somebody who’s always telling you you’re wrong? Anyone? Bueller? No, I didn’t think so.

As we said earlier, this doesn’t mean we can’t be discerning. But when we do, let’s gently speak the truth wrapped in love like bacon around a filet (hmm, bacon!). We’re NOT to judge someone’s eternal destination. Only Christ is qualified to do that. Leave that to Judge Jesus.

Living or Dead…Please Check One

Paul reminds Tim that nobody gets off without their court appearance before Christ. We see that in the phrase “the living and the dead” (v1). You can lump every human being in history into one of two categories. Living. Dead. Please check one. You’re either one or the other. There are no other categories. Pretty much covers everybody who’s ever fogged a mirror.

Judge Jesus will make a decision on everyone who’s ever lived. The apostle made that clear to in one of his correspondence to the Corinthians. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2Cor 5:10). Every single person without exception has their case scheduled on the heavenly docket.

How did the resurrected Rabbi get the job as judge in the first place? Just like the President has the privilege of appointing justices to the Supreme Court, God the Father has even more authority to name His Son to the position of Righteous Judge. No Senate approval needed for this appointment! Jesus Himself says His Dad is behind it (Jn 5:22).

Paul’s good buddy Peter told folks that this is the whole reason Jesus’ followers are spreading His Good News of grace. “He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one appointed by God to be the judge of the living and the dead” (Acts 10:42). There’s that idea of Jesus ruling over anyone who’s ever livd again. Pretty solid evidence that Paul didn’t go rogue with the idea.

A Court Date on the Calendar

So just when will the heavenly court be in session? While the apostle can’t point to a specific date and time on the calendar, he does say it will all go down at “His appearing and His kingdom” (v1). Christ will take a seat behind the bench at His Second Coming. He’s talking about Jesus’ awesome encore when He establishes His kingdom fully and finally.

Our Savior won’t just be making a quick and inconspicuous cameo. There’s something pretty spectacular behind the word “appearing” here in verse one. The original Greek term (Gr. επιφανεια/epiphaneia) means an outward show, something clear and obvious, a brightness, or a shining forth. It literally means “a shining upon” or “a dazzling brightness over.” Picture the razzle and dazzle of Times Square.

Paul only uses it to describe Jesus’ return (2Th 2:8; 1Tim 6:14; 2Tim 1:10; 4:1, 8; Titus 2:13). He should know. The risen Lord blinded the former Pharisee with His brilliance just outside Damascus (Acts 9:3-5). Don’t worry. Nobody will miss Christ’s final appearance. It will be impossible to miss. Judge Jesus will be dazzling.

Remember Judge Wapner?

TV judges and court shows come and go. Hard to believe Judge Wapner stepped down from The People’s Court in 1993. Judge Joe Brown last slammed the gavel in 2013. You can bet there will be a constant stream of new TV court cases no matter who’s wearing the black robe. That’s because we want justice. God has wired us to want good to triumph over evil. And one day, it will happen.

All rise for Judge Jesus.

A Very Particular Set of Skills

“that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2Tim 3:17)

Imagine being on the other end of the phone call when you suddenly hear Liam Neeson’s gravelly Irish growl. “What I do have are a very particular set of skills. Skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you.” Hearing those words, you suddenly realize you’re in for a slightly different day at the office. Whether you know it our not, you’re about to be hunted down in a multiple motion picture franchise.

Did you know God calls every follower of Jesus to have a very specific expertise as well? No, He doesn’t train you to be a black ops agent who’s a cross between Jack Bauer and Jason Bourne. But according to Paul, the Lord has something so much better for you and me.

In a letter to Timothy, the apostle lets his protege know how Scripture preps us for anything God throws at us. So much so “that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (v17). Now THAT’S what I call a very particular set of skills!

While Tim has studied faithfully at Paul’s feet for the last few years (2Tim 3:10-11), the secret sauce of his education has been God’s Word (2Tim 3:15-16). That’s critical since the apostle is now behind bars in Rome staring in the face of a death sentence (2Tim 1:16; 2:9; 4:6-7).

Paul scribbles down important instructions for continuing the spread of the Gospel after he’s gone (2Tim 2:1-4:5). He also pleads for his spiritual son to swing by for one last visit before his date with the executioner (2Tim 4:9, 21).

Knowing all that changes the urgency of these words, doesn’t it? We really need to remember that the Bible isn’t a dusty old collection of Sunday School lessons. Much of God’s Word involves real history lived by real people dealing with real problems in real places. The best part is there’s a very real God and Savior who’s coming to the rescue.

Meanwhile back in 2 Timothy, specifically chapter 3 and verse 17. When the apostle talks about “the man of God” (v17), you might wonder if he’s talking just to preachers, pastors, and other Christians who have turned pro. He is, for sure…BUT he’s also talking to anybody else who’s placed their trust in following the resurrected Rabbi from Nazareth. 

You see, the word “man” here is actually the Greek word (Gr. ανθρωπος/anthropos), which means human being or person. It’s where we get our word “anthropology” or the study of human beings. As a matter of fact, the Amplified Bible adds a little tidbit that removes any confusion. Paul’s calling out “all believers, whether man, woman, or child.” Do you follow Jesus? Well, heads up. He’s talking to you, me us, and them.

Being a person “of God” (v17), I am uniquely identified with the Creator. I belong to Him. I am no longer a rogue rebel terrorist against His kingdom (Rom 5:8-10; Col 1:21). I am not my own. He’s bought me with a price (1Cor 6:19; 7:23). A staggeringly high cost. As a followers of Jesus, we now belong to our Savior.

As God’s personal property and personal representatives, we must be ready for anything He throws our way. That’s why He’s given us His God-breathed written Word (2Tim 3:16). With it, we “may be complete, equipped for every good work” (v17). You probably don’t see it in our English translations, but Paul is having a little fun with words as he writes from his cold cell on the Roman Green Mile. Okay, it’s not quite “Words with Friends,” but wordplay nonetheless.

The apostle uses a pair of verbs we translate as “complete” and “equipped” that are slight variations of the same root word which means “now” (Gr. αρτι/arti). The first one is “complete” (Gr. αρτιος/artios). It means to be ready, fully qualified, perfectly fit, specially adapted, exactly suited to a particular purpose, or having a special aptitude for specific uses. In this case, Paul says Scripture gets the right person ready for the right job right here and right now.

Remember those scenes in every James Bond movie where the agent drops by the MI6 home office to get the latest gadget from Q? He gives 007 the latest in espionage technology for his next assignment. Everything from a cyanide cigarette to an Astin-Martin with the optional ejection seat/machine gun package. The folks at HQ made sure the right agent was always complete, ready for the right job, right here and right now.

God gets us “right now ready” with a very particular set of skills.

That second word Paul drops is “equipped” (Gr. εξαρτιζο/echartizo). It describes finishing, bringing to an end, made adequate, completely ready, totally furnished, and thoroughly prepared. This literally means that you’re fully supplied at the very moment when the action begins. You don’t need anything else. You may not have everything, but you do have everything you’re gonna need.

Think of a full furnished workshop. One of those places that’s loaded with any and every kind of power tool you’ll need for that next project. No reason to borrow anything from your buddy across the cul-de-sac. No running to Lowe’s four or five times before you’re done. It’s all there. This shop has everything for the current project. It’s fully “equipped” (v17).

God gets us “right now ready” with a very particular set of skills.

With that in mind, it makes sense that Martin Luther compared this to being skilled. Picture a craftsman that not only owns a fully stocked shop but knows exactly how and when to use just the right tool at just the right moment. He’s not using a sledgehammer to install a light fixture. Not cranking up the table saw to change a tire. Unlike me, there’s no danger of loosing a digit. When I begin the next craft, my wife already has “9” and “1” already punched into the phone.

Paul tells Tim that Scripture gives us the skills right now “for every good work” (v17). When I crack open my Bible and read what God has for me, He’ll provide me with plenty of opportunities to apply what He’s put before me. Earlier in this same letter, the apostle encourages the young preacher get himself ready cleaned and ready, just like the good dishes for the big Christmas meal. That way “he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work” (2Tim 2:21).

God gets us “right now ready” with a very particular set of skills.

Let’s be clear. God’s not getting me ready for rocket surgery or brain science. He’s prepping me live a life of loving Him and others. Or as the Apostle Peter puts it, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to His own glory and goodness” (1Pet 1:3).

God gets us “right now ready” with a very particular set of skills.

The best example of someone God made sure was right now ready is found in the Old Testament. A beautiful young Jewish girl had just won the Persian version of “The Bachelor.” The king personally picked her to be his new queen. Yeah, it was a good time to be Esther. A very good time.

But things weren’t so good for the rest of the Jewish people. They were slaves in the Persian empire. If that’s not bad enough, the king’s righthand man Haman comes up with the idea of the Holocaust 2500 years before Hitler and the Nazis. His plan was to wipe every single Hebrew off the face of the planet.

Esther’s Uncle Mordecai knew the Jews had one last hope. He was certainly that God had perfectly positioned his niece for just this moment. Mordecai encourages the queen that no one else has the leverage and influence “for such a time as this” (Est 4:13). Like Hamilton, there was no way she was going to throw away her shot. God made sure Esther was right now ready for her “good work” (v17).

Paul’s point is that God gives us everything in His Word we’re going to need for the assignment at hand. Not what we want. What we NEED. There’s a huge difference. As the all-knowing, all-seeing Sovereign Lord of creation, He knows what I need for job better than I do. God’s Word preps us for whatever He throws our way. Nothing more. Nothing less.

God gets us “right now ready” with a very particular set of skills.

So we just might want to pay a little closer attention to what we read in the Bible during our devotions. Don’t just mail in your so-called “quiet time.” Don’t simply check it off your spiritual to-do list. God’s getting us ready. Get into God’s Word so that God can get His Word into you.

I’m pretty sure He’s not equipping you with the same sort of expertise as Liam Neeson’s character Bryan Mills. But the Apostle Paul assures us God’s Word gives us the exact capability we need for our next assignment. A very particular set of skills to love, encourage, comfort, and counsel the people He brings into our lives.

God gets us “right now ready” with a very particular set of skills.

The Holy Ghostwriter

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2Tim 3:16).

It’s pretty common for celebrities and other first time authors to use a ghostwriter. While the big name gets credit for the book, there’s another skilled storyteller behind the scenes doing most of the literary heavy lifting. Let’s get real. Do you really think Kendall and Kylie Jenner became published authors all by themselves? REALLY??

Did you know the human authors of the Bible had a Ghostwriter? Yup. You read that right. But there’s a HUGE difference between what went down with the Kardashians and the people who put pen to parchment to produce God’s Word. You see, there’s no secret Who’s really behind the composition of the scriptures. This Ghostwriter came up with the idea, story line, and even the Hero.

In a letter to his spiritual son, Paul discloses the true identity of the One behind it all. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (v16). Turns out the driving force behind every book of the Bible is none other than the Spirit of God. The apostle should know. He and the Holy Spirit have teamed up to write a huge chunk of what we call the New Testament. Paul would be lost without the Holy Ghostwriter.

A Letter from Prison

You might get the idea that somebody on the receiving end of divine inspiration must be some sort of seminary trained monk, detached from the real world locked away in their ivory tower. Wrong. Paul is in prison (2Tim 1:16; 2:9). Most likely, deep in the dungeon of Rome’s infamous Mamertine Prison. He writes from Death Row (2Tim 4:6-7). What’s labeled 2nd Timothy in our Bibles is actually the last letter from Paul just before his execution.

The apostle furiously fires off what he knows will be his final words with two important purposes. One, to pass the baton of telling people about Jesus to the young pastor in Ephesus (2Tim 2:1-4:5). Two, to beg for one final face-to-face visit from Tim before his last day on this side of eternity (2Tim 4:9, 21). The Holy Ghostwriter encouraging him with every stroke of his pen.

Paul didn’t compose this letter on his laptop before sending them off to his editor and publisher at LifeWay. Instead seeing these words as perfectly typeset on the page of your Bible, picture them in their original form. Hurriedly handwritten on some grimy piece of parchment. Sweat stains. Blood stains. These are the final words from the man God used to not only spread His Good News throughout the Mediterranean Rim but to write much of what we know now as the New Testament.

Paul is reassuring Tim that he can trust God’s Word. He grew up hearing it as a baby back in Lystra (Acts 16:1; 2Tim 1:5). His family stacked the biblical kindling around him so that once God set him on fire, he would burn brightly (2Tim 3:14-15). The more he grows in his understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for him, Tim’s trust deepens. The apostle wants his protege to keep swimming toward the deep end of the pool of the Gospel.

The Creative Constant

It’s at this point that we read some of the most important words found in God’s Word about God’s Word. “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (v16). Not some Scripture. Not certain parts. Not just the Gospels. Not just the red letters. All of it. The fingerprints of the Creator are on every single word of the original manuscripts. All. Scripture.

Think about that for a moment. God has been personally involved in everything from Genesis to Revelation. Approximately 40 human authors wrote 66 documents in three different languages over about 1,600 years. The one creative constant? Almighty God. Specifically, the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Ghostwriter weaves an amazing story about one and only Hero. Jesus. That shouldn’t be any surprise. The Third Person of the Trinity never stops making the Second Person of the Godhead famous (Jn 14:26; 15:26; 16:13-14). The Son of God went out of His way to say that He’s the point of God’s Word (Jn 5:39, 46; Lk 24:27).

The First Graphic Novel

Meanwhile back in 2 Timothy, what does Paul mean when he drops the word “Scripture” (v16)? It’s a Greek word (Gr. γραφη/graphe) that generally describes any writing, drawing, painting, or picture. Something composed or created by hand. It’s where we get our English word “graphic.” Consider the Bible the world’s first and best graphic novel.

Anytime we see one of the human authors use “Scripture (Gr. γραφη/graphe)” in the New Testament, they’re always talking about God’s written Word. Almost every time, the NT writers are referring to the Hebrew Bible or what we call the Old Testament (Lk 4:21; Acts 8:32; Rom 10:11). For folks like Jesus, Paul, and Timothy, it was the ONLY Testament!

The Power of Theo-Pneumatics

But not for long. The Holy Spirit is at His creative best during the First Century. He’s Holy Ghostwriting a boatload of new Scripture. So just how did God get this done? According to Paul, every single bit of God’s Word is “breathed out by God” (v16). This entire phrase is just one word in the original language (Gr. θεοπνευστος/theopneustos). It’s a compound term that literally means “God (Gr. θεο-/theo-) breathed (Gr. -πνευστος/-pneustos).” That’s “theo-” as in theology, the study of God. And “-pneustos” like pneumatic, or air powered. I guess we could say the Holy Ghostwriter uses the power of theo-pneumatics!

Paul’s buddy the Apostle Peter explains it further. “No prophecy of Scripture (Gr. γραφη/graphe) comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2Pet 1:20-21). In other words, some folks will blow a lot of smoke telling you they’ve heard straight from God. It’s nothing but hot air. Only those directly inspired by the Holy Ghostwriter are legit.

Creativity that Takes Your Breath Away

In order to see the amazing creativity of the Third Person of the Godhead over the centuries, we need connect the dots between a couple of Hebrew and Greek words. “Spirit” in Hebrew is ruach. In Greek, it’s πνεθμα/pneuma. Both terms also mean breeze or breath. Remember the roar of the rushing wind at Pentecost when God’s Spirit made His spectacular entrance (Acts 2:2-4)?

With that in mind, it should be no shock at the innovation and innovation when God’s Spirit starts blowing! He was right there hovering over the waters at Creation (Gen 1:2). When Yahweh molded Adam’s body from the dust, He then “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (Gen 2:7). One of the ancient worship songs describes how God used a similar method to create the stars and planets. “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host” (Ps 33:6).

Piling up the Godliness

So if God’s Spirit can create an entire universe out of nothing, He can certainly create something in you and me through His Spirit-breathed Word. That’s why Paul says it is so incredibly “profitable” (v16) to us. The apostle uses a word here (Gr. ωφελιμος/ophelimos) that we can translate as beneficial, valuable, or advantageous. It comes from a root word that means to pile up or accumulate. Just check out how the Holy Spirit   can stack huge piles of godliness in Jesus’ followers through Scripture.

Showing Us Truth

First of all, Scripture is of tremendous value “for teaching” (v16). In other words, there’s no better lesson plan for learning about our incredibly giving God. Or as the Message puts it, for “showing us truth” (v16 The Message). Specifically, the truth about who Jesus is and what He has done. He is THE Hero of THE Story! Not just the New Testament but the entire Bible. Don’t believe me? Take it from the Savior Himself (Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39, 45-46). The Holy Ghostwriter has come up with an incredible curriculum!

A Holy Mirror

Next Paul tells us how God’s Word is of great benefit “for reproof” (v16). This is the idea of using facts to prove someone has done wrong. The point here is NOT to embarrass anyone, win an argument, or prove you’re better than somebody. Scripture points out where we fall short of God’s holy standard. Jesus’ kid brother James compares looking into a mirror that reveals all our zits and pimples (James 1:23). It stops us in our tracks and keeps us from doing any further damage.

Back on Track

In order to get us going again, Scripture is awesome “for correction” (v16). The Greek term here is επανορθωσις/epanorthosis. It paints a picture of restoring someone or something to an upright state. God’s Word picks us back up after it knocks us down and points us back in the right direction. Think of SNL’s legendary life coach Matt Foley. “What’s it gonna take to get you…BACK…ON…TRACK?!?!?” According to Paul, the answer is the truth of God.

Living God’s Way

Finally, the Holy Ghostwriter comes alongside human authors to compose Scripture “for training in righteousness” (v16). While we’ll never be perfect on this side of Heaven, God’s Word shows us to live lives of integrity. Or as we read it in The Message, “training us to live God’s way” (v16 The Message). This isn’t just some sort of external behavior modification that lasts no longer than that New Year’s resolution about dropping 20 pounds. Scripture changes us from the inside out. Paul calls it being “transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom 12:2).

We can totally trust Scripture because of One behind it all. It has the seal of approval of God’s Spirit as “breathed out by God” (v16). It teaches us about God and the rescue we find in His Son. It exposes our sin and stops us in our tracks. It picks us back up and makes sure we’re headed the right way. It also trains us to shine God’s light and spread His salt. All the credit goes to the Holy Ghostwriter.