“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
Paul exhorts Timothy to “continue in what you have learned.” That which Timothy learned in childhood and his acquaintance with the sacred writings are able to make him “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Such is also the case for all Christians. Paul’s encouragement to Timothy is also an encouragement to the Church. This instruction is an integral aspect of the Christian life.
In recent weeks, many catechumens throughout the Lutheran Church have been confirmed. These confirmands have presumably undertaken rigorous catechesis classes, been instructed and examined in the faith, and deemed worthy to receive the Sacrament of the Altar as a result of their catechetical completion. They have been aptly prepared for the Christian life.
Once catechumens have completed their catechetical studies, however, many deem this completion sufficient for faith. Whatever these studies consist of, it should be enough. There is no longer any need to study rigorously, pray fervently, and learn unceasingly. Some churches condone this, whether consciously or subconsciously. This is a blatant disregard for Paul’s exhortation to “continue in what you have learned.” Catechesis, that is learning and growth in the Scriptures, never ends; it is an ongoing aspect of the Spirit’s work in us. It is necessary for spiritual growth and reproof.
Many have fallen away from the faith because they have neglected to read God’s Word, study it, learn it, and inwardly digest it. Constant study of God’s Word keeps faith grounded in the Scriptures, and keeps our eyes fixed on the One who caused the Scriptures to be written for our learning and instruction, that we might grow in faith to serve our neighbor and love God.
As St. Paul writes to St. Timothy, Scripture is profitable for learning, correction, and training (or reproof) in righteousness. It equips us to serve our neighbor and live according to God’s command. As it is the revelation of God to mankind, we find in the Word who our God is, what He has done for us, how He has called us to Himself, and know what He has commanded us to do.
St. Augustine likewise writes concerning Holy Scripture: “Among the things that are plainly laid down in Scripture are to be found all matters that concern faith and the manner of life” (On Christian Doctrine 2.9). For in the Scriptures our faith is founded; through the Word we have been given faith, with the Word the Spirit daily feeds us, and by the Word we have full certainty and confidence in Him who called us by the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).
When this Word is neglected in our failure to read it and learn from it, our faith invariably suffers. The devil uses this neglect to his advantage, and tears us apart from the Truth. When the foundation of our faith is neglected, faith itself crumbles. To neglect God’s Word is to reject the Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit uses the Word to instruct us in the faith, convict us of our sins, and point us to Christ and His death and resurrection. Thus, neglecting to read and learn from the Scriptures is a dark and condemning path.
In accordance with Paul’s words, never neglect to read God’s Word. Be ever grounded in the Scriptures. Read the Scriptures constantly. Test every spirit against the Scriptures (1 John 14). Do not accept lukewarm doctrine or errant theology. Do not fall into the pitfalls of Satan’s lies. We have faith because we have heard and read His Word—for the Scriptures were written that we may believe in Christ our Lord (John 20:31). This is the Church’s calling.
To that end, know that by being grounded in God’s Word, we must also must be rooted in the Church. Growth in knowledge and wisdom concerning the Scriptures cannot occur outside the Church. The Reformers teach this clearly in the Augsburg Confession:
So that we may obtain faith, the ministry of teaching the gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted. For through the Word and the sacraments as through instruments the Holy Spirit is given, who effects faith where and when it pleases God in those who hear the gospel.
Augsburg Confession, Article V
Every exhortation to study the Word, therefore, necessarily includes constantly hearing the Word of God preached and receiving the Sacraments rightly administered. This learning, growth, and spiritual nourishment takes places chiefly in the Church. It is a function of the ministry to preach the Word and teach God’s people what they need to know about Christ (see A.C. XXIV). Thus, to grow in faith necessarily involves being a member of Christ’s body, the Church.
In an age where the very nature of being is attacked by the devil and his legions, stand firm in the unchanging Truth, the God of the Universe, who has revealed Himself in Scripture. Be, as God intends for His people, a member of His Church; hear the Word preached and receive the Sacraments. Never waver when the Truth is at stake.
All Scripture is breathed out by God (2 Timothy 3:16), that is, all Scripture is divinely inspired by God. Every word in Scripture is the inspired, inerrant, true Word of God. All Scripture is trustworthy. It is sure and sound. There is no deceit in God’s Word; in Him and in His Word we have comfort, peace, and assurance. His Word is truth, for God is Truth.
This confidence that we have in the Scriptures is made possible through the Word made flesh, Christ Jesus our Lord, who became incarnate in the flesh to suffer and die for the forgiveness of sins. In this Word made flesh we are kept safe from every attack of the devil—even when the devil twists or distorts the words of Scripture.
Thus, we should fervently pray:
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant us that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them; that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
What is that prayer at the end from?