2 Timothy 3:10–17 “Living by the Word”

2 Timothy 3:10-17 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Amy Grant – Thy Word
• Speak O Lord – Keith & Kristyn Getty
• Vertical Church Band – Word Of God

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• God’s Story: The Bible – Lesson for Kids
• The Bible Song | Dance-Along with Lyrics | Kids Worship – Song for Kids
• Thy Word | Children’s Action Song | Little Faith Steps – Song for Kids
• Psalm 119:9-11 – Your Word In My Heart (Hand Motions) – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

After giving warnings about negative things, the Apostle continues from verse 10 with encouragement from a positive perspective. With the words “But you” (v. 10), the Apostle turns his exhortation directly to Timothy.

Timothy learned from the Apostle’s “teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance.” He also shared in the Apostle’s “persecutions and sufferings” that took place “in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra” (v. 11). According to Acts 16, the Apostle met Timothy in Lystra during his second missionary journey, and Timothy began to accompany him from that time. Therefore, the “persecutions and sufferings” mentioned here refer to the experiences during the Apostle’s later return to those regions. The Apostle testifies that he “endured” all those persecutions, and that the Lord “rescued” him from them.

At this point, the Apostle leaves behind an extremely important statement about the essence of Christian faith: “Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (v. 12). Experiencing persecution and suffering is not something reserved only for people with special callings like Paul or Timothy. In a world filled with sin, anyone who believes in and follows Jesus Christ will inevitably face rejection and opposition from the world. Suffering is the default setting for Christians, “because evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse” (v. 13). Those who sincerely desire to believe must face this reality and prepare themselves for it.

The way believers prepare themselves to face the sin and suffering of reality is by “continuing in what you have learned and firmly believed” (v. 14). Timothy had learned that truth from his grandmother and his mother. That truth is none other than the Word of God, the Scriptures. From childhood, Timothy had read and studied Scripture, which “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (v. 15). Here, “the Scriptures” refer to the Old Testament, since the New Testament did not yet exist at that time.

The Apostle goes on to say, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (v. 16). The phrase “God-breathed” is a translation of the Greek word theopneustos, which means “breathed out by God.” While the Scriptures were written by human authors, behind them stands the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. When we encounter the Spirit that is present within the words, Scripture becomes “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.” Therefore, “the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (v. 17).

Meditation:

The Word of God is “God-breathed.” It is God’s breath that has been breathed into it. This “breath of God” is the Holy Spirit. Although Scripture is written by human hands, the Holy Spirit works through those words. This is what gives the Bible its unique authority above all other books written by humans. It is also why we read and meditate on the Word daily. Through this practice, we remain and live within God’s truth. When we come before the Word with the right attitude, it instructs us and teaches us about righteousness. And when we go astray, the Word rebukes us and sets us back on the right path.

When the Apostle spoke of “Scripture,” he was referring to what we now call the Old Testament. At the time 2 Timothy was written, some parts of what our New Testament is now had already been written and were being circulated. The four Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters were recognized with authority as that of the Old Testament within the community of faith, and by the 3rd century, the canon was finalized in 27 books. Therefore, today, when we read in verse 16 that “all Scripture is God-breathed,” we should think of both the Old and New Testaments. For those of us who live under the New Covenant, the New Testament serves as our textbook, while the Old Testament functions as a reference. Without the Old Testament, the New Testament cannot be fully understood; without the New Testament, the Old Testament remains incomplete.

Just as our bodies need three meals a day to survive, our souls need daily nourishment from the Word. This means we must read and meditate on Scripture to engrave its truth in our hearts and receive the inspiration of the Holy Spirit working through it. When we live this way, we can lead a distinct life in a world overflowing with sin. Because of that distinction, however, we may at times face loss, misunderstanding, rejection, and persecution. For those who live according to the Word, suffering is the default.

Prayer:

Through Your Word, we breathe in Your Spirit. Fill our souls with Your Spirit. Help us not to follow the patterns of this world but to live according to Your Word. And when loss, misunderstanding, rejection, or persecution come because of it, make us rejoice and remain even more faithful. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God’s Word is not just a book—it is God-breathed. The Holy Spirit works through Scripture to teach, correct, and guide us. Just as our bodies need food every day, our souls need God’s Word daily. Living by the Word sets us apart in a sinful world, and while that may bring rejection or suffering, it also brings strength, truth, and joy in Christ.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • The Bible is called “God-breathed.” What do you think it means for God to “breathe” His Spirit into the Bible?
  • Just like we eat food every day, we need God’s Word for our hearts. What are some ways we can “feed” on God’s Word daily?
  • Sometimes following Jesus can feel hard because others might not understand. How can God’s Word help us be brave?
    
• Youth
  • Paul says, “All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” How does this challenge or encourage you in your school or community life?
  • How is Scripture different from other books you read? What makes it unique and powerful?
  • What daily habit could you start (or restart) to let God’s Word guide your decisions, especially when facing peer pressure or challenges?