But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, (15) and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (16) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine , for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, (17) that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (4:2) I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and His kingdom: (2) Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

The second letter to Timothy was written by the apostle Paul, who was in the Mamertine prison in chains awaiting execution. This letter contains Paul’s final words and a charge to Paul’s “son” in the faith, Timothy, to put a strong emphasis on the essential biblical nature of preaching that must be established. This solemn charge under oath is urgent as in the second coming of Christ the living and the dead will be judged. Paul writes in Romans that the faithful will not face condemnation but we will ALL stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Paul reminds Timothy that all Scripture is profitable for preaching and instruction – to explain and apply the doctrines of the Bible. Preachers must proclaim faithfully God’s word in context so that people understand it and gives them the wisdom that leads to salvation. Preachers should be ready in words and walk at every opportunity. Preaching must appeal to the conscience – to the will and reason and emotion of the hearer and not just to establish feel good Christianity – and to do so with great patience and instruction. Sound doctrine is a frequent theme with Paul and the man of God must persevere teaching the word of God even in the face of hostility. Timothy was instructed in his home as well as what he received from Paul and his fellow workers of the gospel. He was instructed and trained in the word of the Lord by Paul – (in Old Testament Scripture as the New Testament was being written.) He was familiar with the prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah – the Bible reveals Christ and when one believes in Him he /she is saved.

All scripture is given by the inspiration of God. The writers of the Bible wrote as guided and directed by the Holy Soirit. The only authoritative book on divine teaching is the Bible. In contrast to false teaching and evil practices we have the example and teaching of Paul who taught and lived the word of God in power and in the Spirit.