Vol. 7, No. 36 – September 11, 2022
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the [person] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. –2 Timothy 3:16-17
Letters of Timothy are instructional. You cannot read them without asking questions of the text (actually, asking questions of the author).
Teaching’s goal is to establish truth firmly in a learner’s mind. Learning otherwise just does not get it for learners with a skull full of mush. Then there is reproof—a word that crushes. That word is followed by a correction. Correction replaces error with truth (as opposed to presuppositions—opinions). Training can also be translated into instruction. Instruction offers the student of learning an evaluation as to how to apply what has been taught.
If more institutions of learning would follow that schematic, there would be millions who are better prepared to face life in the world. Sadly, much of what is offered for education does not pass the smell test; thus, learners fail as they grow in age.
I know a principal who has made sure that the values and goals of his school reflect 2 Timothy 3:16-17. He has a much better opportunity to speak those values as he fills the position of principal in a Christian School. A top-notch Christian School. God has used him well in ministry to learners, and developing leaders.
One of the things we notice about Timothy (and Paul) is their verity of impact—true spiritual leaders. There are some specifics enunciated in Scripture that expose Timothy and Paul. 1) They are transparent—they have nothing to hide. 2) They teach truth—their ministry is not about opinions (presuppositions), 3) They live out what they teach; practice what they say. 4) They are purposed; specifically, to glorify God. 5) They are willing to suffer; they believe to live is Christ. . . to die is gain.
The principal I mentioned above scores high in following the “list.” He did not start out in administration. He taught. He has never lost the excitement of teaching young people. He is still drawing students to Christ. After they graduate, they come back and talk to him. They get transparent, they talk about truth, they live out what they have learned, and they do have suffering moments, but they were trained to expect most of those.
This principal shared with me what he is reading. His continuing growth is important to him, and it feeds the school. When we talk, I get to share some of the things I am still learning, 1) we always have to watch where life is taking us; carefully, even a dead fish goes with the flow. 2) Did you know there are a lot of I’s around in the Word: Inspired, Infinite, Important, Imperative, Impressive, and Intense? I am sure there are more. 3) It is important to touch others’ lives. Otherwise, you isolate. Get lonely. Gain indifference. Get lonely. Even can experience health issues. 4) Do not get caught up in what ought to be fought. There is a reason for the battle.
There is more, but my blogs intend to be short.
That principal sends me little articles. I buy him Baptist books. He recommends Presbyterian books. We smile and read them. We learn. He likes to witness in the community. Part of the reason he selects the businesses he frequents is that he has discovered someone there needs Christ. He also disciples.
Did you ever plow through some thoughts as to what discipleship entails? I have written down some of the words the principal uses. Example. Lifelong learner. Submitted. Surrendered. Enlister. Faithful. Reliable. Equipper. Teach. Relational. Reproduce. Empower.
Life Application
Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. –2Timothy 3:1-5
You cannot deny this is a painting of our present world. So, you and I live here. So does that principal. What do we do? Follow the map. Both Timothy and Paul lay out the map (actually, it is the Holy Spirit doing that). Their map is perfect; all that they say, God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit got it right. They are always perfect and right. Who could lead us better than they?
Pick up that Word (the Scriptures, the Bible). When you read it it is God speaking. You can always count on what He has to say.
