2 Timothy 3 - What is the Purpose of the Bible?
3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Many times throughout history Christians have felt like they were living in the "last days". As we look at the traits which characterize people in the "last days", we observe these types of people living today. Paul gives a laundry list of traits which generally typify the sinful nature we have all inhabited from Adam. Then Paul says they have a form of godliness but denies its power. What does this mean?
This can be the case when people may seem godly on the outside but are not really living as a disciple of Jesus. They go to church, bible study, and even serve in the soup kitchen, but outside of these activities they show no fruit of the Spirit. On the outside they look religious, but there is no transformation of the inner man or their true character when no one is looking. The only power that could truly change them from the inside out, they have denied because they have no real intention changing their ways.
We often call this person a "nominal Christian". It means a Christian "in name only". While no one can judge another person's heart, these people are fairly easy to recognize. Though our mission is the church is to reach the "unchurched" sometimes the "churched" need Jesus just as badly.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
These same men take advantage of needy women in the guise of being a listening ear or a helping hand. They may learn facts about the bible, but the never come to true knowledge which is based on experience obtained through obedience. This is the difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. But in reality these men opposed the truth just like Jannes and Jambres did with Moses in Exodus.
Jannes and Jambres were the leading magicians in Pharaoh's court who attempted to match the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron. (Google AI)
Eventually these who try to mimic the power of God, but are really charlatans, will be revealed for who they really are. Usually these imposters fall into some kind of moral fallout and leave behind a lot of collateral damage such as those who trusted them with their lives and gave money to them.
A Final Charge to Timothy
10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Timothy however would not follow after these false teachers, but had been given a godly example in his mentor, Paul. Even though Paul suffered, he never gave into these behaviors. Being a godly man or woman will often bring persecution, as those who are living ungodly lives will often be convicted of their own ungodly life when in their presence.
Though Paul had mentored Timothy, Timothy's faith started through his mother and grandmother, who raised him to know what it meant to be a Christian. It says from infancy he had known the Holy Scriptures. Many who reject "infant baptism" think one has to be certain age to "understand" the faith.
Timothy was brought up in a Christian home where he learned the scriptures, the Word of God. The main purpose of the bible is to "make one wise unto salvation". The main purpose of God's Word is to lead you to "the Word", Jesus Christ. But this is not the only purpose of the bible.
A secondary purpose is the bible is infallible as it pertains to all matters of life. The bible is a love letter from God which leads us to Jesus, but it is also a guidebook for holy living. Knowing the bible equips us to be a servants of God. It teaches us how to live our lives as Jesus would be if he were us.
Simply put the bible will never lead you astray. It will give you practical wisdom in everything from love and marriage, how to manage your money, how to treat your body, and the secret to joyful and meaningful relationships.
When we follow the bible's guidance and put it into practice through the power of the Holy Spirit we can live the life we've always wanted.
Hopefully as you have read through the New Testament this year that you have seen God's power at work in your life. As you continue to stay rooted in God's Word you will bear fruit. Fruit that will last!
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