Lesson 416 - Junior
Memory Verse
"Watch thou in all things" (II Timothy 4:5).
Notes
Remember
It had been Timothy's privilege to be with Paul, a real soldier of the Cross. Timothy had learned many spiritual lessons from Paul. He had been able to benefit from Paul's experience. Paul advised him to remember the things that he had learned, and continue to do them. Paul gave the same advice to the Hebrews when he said, "We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" [HEB:2:1]). It is one thing to know the Bible but it is quite another thing to do what the Word of God teaches. In [JAM:1:22] we read: "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
Good Training
Paul reminded Timothy of his good training. Even as a child, Timothy had been taught the Scriptures, which at that time consisted of the Old Testament. Both his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, were devout women of faith [2TM:1:5]). Timothy was privileged to be brought up by those women who not only taught him the Word but also set a good example of a believer.
Children do not always appreciate the privilege they have of being reared in a Christian home. They will be spared many stumbles and falls if they take heed to the instructions of the Bible. Solomon said: "My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head" [PRO:1:8-9]).
Timothy's study of the Scriptures made him "wise unto salvation." He learned the value and necessity of being saved. He learned how to be saved. The things he learned caused him to pray and he was saved. You have learned in Sunday School about being saved. Are you saved?
Paul's Helper
Later Timothy accompanied Paul on some missionary trips [ACT:16:1-3]). He learned the Gospel as he listened to Paul preach. He saw the example of a Christian life as he lived and journeyed with Paul. The time came when Timothy was sent out to preach the Gospel. Paul referred to Timothy as his "work-fellow" [ROM:16:21]) and said, "As a son with the father" Timothy had served with him in the Gospel [PHL:2:22]). Timothy was also a scribe for Paul as he wrote letters to the Corinthians and to the Hebrews. With all his training and privileges, Timothy yet needed and took advice.
The Inspired Word
One important thing for Timothy to learn was the fact that the Bible is inspired of God. We, too, need to know that. Although the Scriptures were written by the pen of men, God told them what to write. Many did not know the full meaning of what they wrote but they were led by God. In [2PE:1:21] we read: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." We know that God gave the Law to Moses and that He spoke through the prophets. Many people accept some of the Bible to be from God, but "all scripture is given by inspiration of God" -- that means the whole Bible.
New Translation
We are living in perilous times [2TM:3:1]) when men have tried to rewrite the Bible in modern words. Some of these men are not even believers and their translations lack the true meaning of the Bible. They may think that their words explain the Scriptures better, but those who love the Word of God read the King James Version which can be trusted to be the inspired Word of God. This one verse is good test that the translation of the Bible is God's inspired Word: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God" [2TM:3:16]). If it reads any differently, then the verse is man's words in a modern translation. Look in the front of your Bible to see that you are studying and reading a King James Version.
Valuable
As one studies the Bible, he finds many valuable lessons. The Bible is different from any other book. Some books are rule books; some are poetry books: some are history books; some are teaching books; but the Bible is all that put together, and more.
"Profitable for doctrine": In the Bible we read of the teachings of Jesus and His belief. One must have doctrine in order to know what to believe. It teaches certain rules as given by God. How can one be a true follower of the Lord if he does not know the teachings of the Bible?
Profitable "for reproof, for correction": Sometimes God convicts a person as he reads the Bible. He realises that he has failed to do some of God's teachings or that some of the things he is doing are wrong. It is good to be corrected, for then one learns how terrible his actions have been. How can one live better if he is never reproved?
One can be set right when he does what he learns in the Bible. We read that there is a growing that takes place in the life of a Christian. (Read [2PE:1:5-9].) The Lord chastens those whom He loves [HEB:12:6]) that they may bring forth more fruit for Him [JHN:15:2]). How can one improve and add Christian graces and fruit if he does not see that he lacks them?
Profitable "for instruction in righteousness": Lessons and explanations about righteousness, its importance, and how to live are all given in the Bible. When one wants to learn something new he must follow the directions. When a boy wants to put a model airplane together, he reads the directions and explanations. When he learns to play a game he must follow the rules. When a girl learns to cook she must read the recipe or take directions from someone. When she learns to sew she looks at the directions given on the pattern or follows the guidance of her mother or teacher. How can one be a Christian if he is not taught the ways of righteousness?
Paul told Timothy that all these things are in the Bible to teach one to be what God wants him to be so that he can do good works. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" [MAT:5:16]).
A Charge
Paul gave Timothy a solemn charge to preach the Word. He meant that he was to preach not only by sermon but also by the way he lived. One can proclaim the Gospel by being a living example. One can be alert to help others by quoting the Bible and testifying when the opportunity is given.
Itching Ears
The time is coming, if not already here, when people will not listen to the words of the Bible. Some ministers give sermons about many other things than the Bible. Some have said that they cannot preach so strictly, because the people want to hear only pleasant things, which tickle the ears, but those things do not help the heart. Some people turn away from the truth of the Bible and listen to stories and ideas of men. But beware! "Watch thou in all things." Paul told Timothy to "flee" those things, which are not according to God's way and to "follow after" the good things of God, which will bring the fruit of the Spirit [GAL:5:22-23]).
An Old Soldier
Recently, we have studied about Christian soldiers. Paul was one who knew that there was a battle of right against wrong to fight. He said, "Fight the good fight of faith." How these words of Paul must have inspired Timothy, as they do us today! He probably could have said, too, to fight by faith. How wonderful at the end of one's life to say, "I have finished my course!" Finished the journey that God had chosen! "I have kept the faith and can call it a good fight!"
Reward
Because of Paul's faithfulness, he expected to receive a crown. We read of those crowns which will be awarded to God's people: a "crown of righteousness," a "crown of life" [JAM:1:12]), and a "crown of glory"
[1PE:5:4]); but they must be won. A crown will be given not only to Paul but also there is a crown for all who live for Jesus and "love his appearing." Many people work for rewards here upon earth but how different will be the rewards given by the Lord, rewards that are lasting, not influenced by bribes, and not affected by decay.
These words of Paul inspire one not only to endure to the end but also to tell others so they may prepare for the wonderful day when Jesus shall come. In [REV:3:11] we read: "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
Questions
1. How had Timothy heard of the Scriptures?
2. Who taught him what to do as a minister?
3. Explain this verse: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God."
4. Of what value is Bible study?
5. What is the fruit of the Spirit? [GAL:5:22];[GAL:5:23]).
6. How was Paul likened to a soldier?
7. What kind of reward was he expecting?
8. Who else will receive a reward from the Lord?