BEN F. VICK, JR.
As we travel from the cradle to the grave we ought to spend precious moments with the precious Book, the Bible. An old Jewish rabbi stated that a boy of five ought to apply himself to the study of the sacred scriptures. The Catholics boast that if they can keep a child until he is seven or eight years old, he will remain a Catholic. Paul knew “that from a child” Timothy had “known the holy scriptures.” (II Tim. 3:15.) If the apostle were living today, could he make the same statement concerning us? Would he encourage us to continue, or discontinue, what we’ve learned?
Not only did Timothy learn the holy scriptures, but he could be assured in his knowledge of them. Timothy could place his trust in the scriptures because it was “given by the inspiration of God.” Timothy’s assurance could be placed in the verbal (word for word), plenary (full, complete, entire) inspiration (God-breathed) of God’s word. (II Tim. 3:16,17; I Cor. 2:9-13.) We can have “Blessed Assurance” in the trustworthiness of God’s word—as long as we use reliable translations (KJV or ASV).
From what sources did the young preacher, Timothy, learn? “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice, and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (II Tim. 1:5.) Sometimes the making of a faithful Christian, preacher, deacon, or elder is two generations away. The unfeigned faith of Timothy dwelt first in his grandmother, Lois, and was passed down to his mother, Eunice.
Timothy was also influenced and taught by the apostle Paul. (Acts 16:1-3; Phil. 2:19-23; I Tim. 1:2.) There is a desperate need for Timothys in the church. This will come to pass when there are more parents and grandparents like Eunice and Lois. More Timothys will “rise up” when more men like Paul show an interest in the young.
Man In The Making
When you see a little fellow
With a little fellow’s smile,
With a little fellow’s actions
And a little fellow’s style—
Doff your hat and pay him tribute;
Stop to praise him while you can,
For this jaunty, carefree youngster
All too soon will be a man.
Soon he’ll gain a man’s full stature,
Take his place and do his part,
Helping solve a host of problems
With a strong, courageous heart.
He may toil in shop or office,
Run a bank or make our laws;
Someday he May Lead His Fellows
As a Preacher of God’s Cause.
So don’t fail to stop and greet him,
For this lad so fancy-free
May become the hope of millions
In a world that’s yet to be.
Timothy was to continue in the things which he had learned because they came from “the holy scriptures.” Our Bible classes should be Bible-filled classes. Children can learn the Bible if teachers will teach the Bible. This writer remembers John 20:30-31 to this day because a fourth grade teacher in Sunday morning Bible class had us memorize it. Too many teachers may only be concerned with the method rather than the message. “My brethren, be not many masters (teachers—margin), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1.)
Does one desire wisdom? It can be gained not only through prayer (James 1:5), but through God’s word. The holy scriptures “are able to make one wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Timothy studied the Old Testament which led him to Christ. (Gal. 3:23-25.) “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” Although we are under a New Covenant, there is much to be gained by a study of the Old. (Rom. 15:4.)
The sacred scriptures are divinely inspired; i.e., “God breathed.” Every word was given by God through Christ to the Holy Spirit who in turn imparted it to man. (John 16:13-15; I Cor. 2:!3; II Cor. 5:18-20.) Thought inspiration alone is out of the question. Words are the wheels on which the vehicle of thought travels. Thoughts cannot be expressed without words.
The Living Oracles are not only inspired; they are
“profitable”; i.e., useful. The Bible is a book for all—from the beggarman on the streets to the king on his throne. It is not to be used as a dust-collector but as the agent of the Spirit (Eph. 6:16) to clear the cobwebs from our minds to see plainly what our responsibility is to both God and man. It “is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” “Doctrine” means teaching. “Reproof” is the same as conviction. “Correction” means, literally, “a restoration to an upright or right state.” (Vines, p. 241.) God’s word is able to put us in our rightful place when we fall. “Instruction” in II Tim. 3:16 and “nurture” in Eph. 6:4 are the same word in the original. It means chastisement or discipline.
The Scriptures are able to make the man of God “perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” That which is perfect (I Cor. 13:19; Jude 3) is able to make us perfect. We, as well as Timothy, must continue in that which is complete (God’s word) in order that we might be complete. God’s word is able not only to fit us but also to outfit us for every good work.