CTSJ 1:2 (Summer 1995) p.

3
The Sufficiency of
Scripture and Gods Will
2 Timothy 3:13-17

Chuck Deveau *
Chafer Theological Seminary
[*Editors note: Chuck Deveau is professor of New Testament Literature
and Exegesis at Chafer Theological Seminary. He received a B.A. and
M.S.W. from California State University, Fresno, and a Th.M. in New
Testament Literature and Exegesis from Dallas Theological Seminary. He
also pastors Orange Coast Bible Fellowship in Costa Mesa, California.]
Introduction
What is the will of God? Fundamentally, for Bible believing Christians, it is what
God has revealed in His Word, i.e., the Scriptures. For example 2 Timothy 3:1517
suggests not only the necessity of Scripture in discerning Gods will, but its adequacy to
make me wise (3:15) and thoroughly equip me for every good work (3:1617).
This clearly suggests to me, as it must have to Timothy, that there is no necessity for
God to give me extra biblical revelation to know His will. Necessity is the operative term
since God is sovereign and may choose to use anything or do anything to direct the
course and character of my life. For example, I may glean insight into life--personally,
socially, even spiritually--by simply being sensitive and open to my environment, by
reading literature, by common sense and by honestly sharing my life with people. And all
this, plus other factors, may contribute to making me a wise, mature and thoroughly
equipped Christian, but thats all it is--a contribution, supplemental to the will of God
revealed in Scripture. It is the central and crucial text of 2 Timothy 3:1317 that now
deserves our attention and expanded commentary concerning the sufficiency of Scripture
and knowing Gods will.
The Text (NKJV)
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and
being deceived (2 Timothy 3:13).
Our text begins with Paul warning Timothy of evil men and impostors who will
adorn the religious scene, deceiving and being deceived. Earlier in this chapter Paul has
illustrated with Jannes and Jambres the type of person who leads others astray while
being deceived himself. The principle thus emerges: from the conscious deception of
others emerges the unconscious deception of oneself.
But as for you (Timothy), continue in the things which you have learned
and been assured of, knowing from whom you learned them (2 Timothy
3:14).
To avert any tendency to self-deception Paul says to Timothy that he needs to
remain right where he is regarding the truth. Timothys tradition of abiding in the truth
was highlighted earlier in 3:10: But you (Timothy) have carefully followed my doctrine,
manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, perseverance. Thus Timothy is to be
diligent to remain (endure) in this experience while others (3:13) are deceiving and being
led astray down the dangerous road of emotional, spiritual ruin. Another principle
emerges namely, staying in Gods truth is an essential need for Christians today,
especially teachers.
And that from childhood you (Timothy) have known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in
Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15).
With 3:1011 as a backdrop Paul goes on in this verse to remind Timothy that
remaining in Gods truth requires that he cling to his knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.
In possessing the Scriptures, we possess that which makes what we have learned a
present and viable possession: the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for
salvation.
In our day where the spiritual menu offers an elaborate selection of religious ideas
and deceptive doctrines we need to depend, more than ever, upon the Word of God in
Scripture (sacred writings)! We need constant reminding that they--and they alone--make
us wise to that which is most vital and viable to our souls, our eternal destiny and our
daily personal relationship to God.
But, as Paul goes on to explain, the Scriptures that make us wise for salvation do not
end their usefulness there. They are capable of fully and thoroughly equipping us to live a
stable, balanced and effective life for God.
CTSJ 1:2 (Summer 1995) p. 4
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of
God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2
Timothy 3:1617).
In commenting upon these crucial verses the first truth we observe is that the
Scriptures ascribe to themselves divine authorship. All Scripture is given by inspiration
of God (, i.e., God-breathed). Because God is the Author of all
Scripture, tremendous credence and credibility is given to the assertion that all
Scripture is profitable ().
Profitable for what or whom we ask? Notice first that Gods Scripture is profitable
for doctrine (). Whatever we NEED to know regarding our belief system
and knowledge of Gods will is in Scripture. Second we observe that Scripture is
profitable for reproof (). Whatever we NEED exposed or divulged about
ourselves the Scripture is capable of so doing (cf. Hebrews 4:12). Thirdly, notice that
Scripture is profitable for correction (). Thus whatever NEEDS
correcting in our attitude, perspective, viewpoint, the Scripture is able to accomplish.
Finally we see that the Scripture is profitable for instruction in righteousness
(). Whatever training or discipline I NEED as a developing, maturing Christian
Gods Word provides.
The full sufficiency of Scripture in knowing Gods will is enunciated here. Nothing
needs to be taught which it does not teach. Nothing needs to be censured which it does
not censure. Nothing needs correction that it does not correct. And no training need be
given that it does not give.
Where does this now take us? The final verse:
That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work (2 Timothy 3:17)
If I possess Gods Word and what it offers, I possess all I need to be properly
prepared for effective Christian experience and service. As I practice its truth I will
become increasingly more mature, both spiritually and emotionally, and equipped with a
proper and healthy sense of my personal worth and value to other people.
Conclusion
Do I believe all this? For the record, I do, and we all should! In spite of our failure
flawlessly to live up to the lofty standards of these sacred writings, they nonetheless
offer us a necessary exposure to Gods will for His natural creation and for us. As was
true for Paul and Timothy, so it is true for us the Will of God in Scripture is our sufficient
resource spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. We should be deeply grateful for the
Scripture and most importantly for its Author. In a day proliferated with false doctrine,
deception and wandering from the truth the Scripture is sufficient!