Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

2 Timothy 3 Devotional

The Word That Makes Us Wise

“From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”2 Timothy 3:15 (BSB)

2 Timothy 3 paints a bleak picture of the last days: people who love themselves, money, and pleasure more than God, who keep up an outward show of godliness but none of its power (3:1-5). Paul does not pretend things will get easier. Those who set out to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will face persecution, while deceivers go from bad to worse (3:12-13). Yet the Lord rescued Paul from every persecution he endured (3:11).

Against that backdrop, Paul points Timothy to what he has known since childhood. The Holy Scriptures can give him the wisdom that leads to salvation by faith in Christ Jesus (3:15). Every part of Scripture is breathed out by God and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in right living, so that God's servant is ready for whatever good work God gives (3:16-17). In a world of shifting voices, God has not left his people guessing. He has spoken, and his word leads to Christ. Opening it is a way to hear him.

To think about: How might you come to Scripture this week expecting to hear God speak, rather than only to finish a reading?

About 2 Timothy 3: The Last Days and the God-Breathed Scriptures

Paul warns that the last days will bring people who love themselves and money and have a form of godliness without its power. Timothy should continue in what he has learned, since every part of Scripture comes from God and fully equips believers for good works.

Take the 2 Timothy 3 quiz →Study notes

Get the next chapter and its devotional in your inbox each morning

One short email a day, no account needed. Stop anytime.