2 Timothy 3:1-17
The gloomy moral picture of vv. 2-5 is similar to that of Romans 1:28-32 except with this difference that here it does not portray pagans but people who call themselves Christians! And what makes the matter worse: the form of godliness, hypocrisy, covers these hideous features with a deceptive veneer. "But thou . . ." the apostle interrupts again (vv. 10, 14; 2 Timothy 4:5). On the one side we see these immoral people who are "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth . . ." (v. 7). On the other side, we see this young servant of God, brought up from childhood on the "holy Scriptures" under the influence of a godly mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5). Happy are those who, from childhood, have been eager readers of the Word of God! To them, and to us all, this exhortation is addressed: "Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned" (v. 14).
V. 16 establishes the complete inspiration of all the Scriptures as well as their authority to teach, reprove, correct and instruct in righteousness. The Word of God nourishes and forms the man of God. Timothy was one such in spite of his youth (v. 17; 1 Timothy 6:11). This title of man of God is greater even than those of soldier, workman or servant of the Lord (2 Timothy 2:3; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 2:24). God shows us here how to become one. May He also give us the desire to be one!