- Lesson Three in the Connect360 unit “GC2 Strong: A Great Commandment and Great Commission Awakening” focuses on Acts 2:42-47; 2 Timothy 3:10-4:8
Luke in Acts described how the new converts continually devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer.
Luke used the same word “devoted” in this text and to describe the response of Jesus’ followers when they met in the upper room after Jesus’ ascension.
The word “devotion” is a strong term. Although it was new and different from what they were taught before, they did not reject or desert the teachings of the apostles.
The whole experience of following Jesus was new to the converts, yet they remained constant in receiving and living according to the apostles’ teachings.
Typically, the rabbis and priests offered up prayers and sacrifices, in addition to teaching the Torah, or the law in the Hebrew religion.
The apostles were focused on turning the new converts into disciples.
Paul in his letter to Timothy encouraged him to rely on his education to help him thrive amid persecution.
It was not enough for Timothy to know the Scriptures and how to be a leader of a church. He needed to continue to develop in knowledge and leadership and to persevere to the end.
Living a life that matched his doctrine would arm Timothy as he faced attacks from his enemies.
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The best way for Timothy to defeat the lies of those who would oppose him was with God’s truth. The best way for Timothy to tell the truth from lies was to know the word of God.
Timothy learned from Paul and others whom he trusted. Learning from Paul and others he knew personally and respected assured him what he knew of the Scriptures was trustworthy and reliable.
Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures as a child. These women knew the importance of teaching children the ways of God.
In addition to knowing the Scriptures, Timothy was able to witness how the Scriptures directed those who obeyed them. A literal translation is “the sacred letters.”
The Bible is sacred because God set it apart from any other book for special sacred uses.
Paul reminded Timothy the Scripture was holy because it came from the holy God.
The phrase “God-breathed” means inspired. This fact separated the Scriptures from any other literature ever written.
Scripture is divinely inspired, given by God to holy men who wrote as directed, not dictated, by the Holy Spirit.
These men did not write for themselves, but for God.
Scripture is a revelation of God and holy things to instruct disciples of Jesus in the ways of holiness. It is a perfect rule for doctrine and practice.
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