August 14 | 2 Timothy 3:14-17

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DAILY READING

2 Timothy 3:14-17

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REFLECTION

All We Need

By Jennifer Jerrome

Today’s scripture is short so let’s take it line by line…

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it (v. 14).

I can hear Paul saying, “Timothy, you’ve seen what I’ve done and what’s been happening. You know what I tell you is true. You can trust what I’ve taught you.”

It’s always good advice to consider the source. Is it reliable?  Has the source proven itself trustworthy?

Timothy can stand firm in his knowledge because he knows those from whom he learned it. Paul served as his mentor so he (and we) can be confident his instruction was top-notch.

Unfortunately, many major sources of information today can’t be trusted, which makes it frustrating to decipher the truth. Good thing we have a God who gives us all the TRUTH we need.

And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ (v. 15).

There’s definitely an advantage to an early faith. You carry it with you through life. It shapes the decisions you make and how you interact with others.

I developed my faith early on, but I’ve always been a little envious of those who come to faith later in life. They seem to have a sense of awe and wonder about them. Their newly formed passion for Christ is often obvious and admirable.

I find that a person with an older faith tends to be a little more subdued, but that doesn’t mean their passion for Christ doesn’t run deep. They’ve had years of putting it into practice. Their path to the Father is well worn.

Verse 16 is one many have heard. It could be the focus of its own devotion. Today I’m just going to let you sit with it for a moment…

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

So that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (v. 17).

To be a successful evangelist, the only “equipment” needed is Scripture.

I recently went on vacation and as usual I packed way too much. I really only needed the basics, which is kind of like being a disciple of Christ. The only thing the original followers needed on their journey was Christ and their knowledge of Scripture. Jesus specifically told them to drop everything and “Follow me.” He didn’t say go home and pack a suitcase and a carry-on. They went and Jesus gave them all they needed.

Just as He will give us ALL we need.

PRAYER

Father,

Today I thank you for breathing your scripture on us. You and your words are all we need. May we encounter mentors throughout life’s journey we can trust. Like Paul told Timothy, may we continue in what we have learned. May we allow the Holy Scriptures to make us wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We are blessed to know as a servant of God that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work. Amen

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER JERROME

I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.