From the Pastor - What the Bible Claims for Itself

WHAT THE BIBLE CLAIMS FOR ITSELF

By Rev. Jack G. Hulsey II

Timothy is one of the best-known characters in the Bible who says absolutely nothing. Much is written to him and about him, but nothing by him. He was like a son to Paul, was the second pastor of the church at Ephesus (founded by Paul), and is mentioned not just in the two pastoral letters addressed to him (1 and 2 Timothy), but also in the books of Acts, Philemon, Hebrews, 2 Corinthians, 1 Thessalonians and Romans.  The church he pastored (starting in about 64-67AD) is the first church mentioned in the book of Revelation, which was probably written about 30 years later. Of that church, Christ says this: “you have persevered and have endured hardship for My name and have not grown weary. But the Lord went on; you have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first.”

Was Timothy still pastor at Ephesus when John wrote his words from exile in Patmos? It's possible, but it's also hard to imagine that the man Paul lauded for “…his proven character… as a son with his father, he served with me in the gospel.” (Philemon 2:20-22) would have let the church slip into disfavor with the Lord. But it may have happened. Ancient church tradition holds that Timothy held the title of Bishop of Ephesus until his death at more than 90 years of age.

Although we have no writings by Timothy to give us any measure of the man, it was one of Paul's letters to him that we receive a bit of doctrine on which you might say our whole faith hangs.

In 2 Timothy, Paul starts out telling Timothy to “boldly and faithfully preach the word of God." (2 Timothy 4-6.)  He tells him to continue what he has learned, (2 Timothy 1); avoid foolish arguments (2Timothy 2); trust the Word of God (2 Timothy 3) and preach God's Word with faithfulness (2Timothy 4).  Paul sums this all up by telling Timothy this: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, or correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3: 16-17).

If you ever hear the term" divinely inspired” with reference to the Bible, this is where it comes from. We Christians are sometimes faulted for believing the Bible is God's Word because the Bible says it's God's Word. These same critics have no trouble believing that a math book, history book or comic book is what it says it is. Note that Paul doesn't say that Scripture is the ultimate authority on science, history, world politics, philosophy, sociology or so many other things people often wish it would be. Read it for what it says it is – a tool to equip each of us to do the work God calls us to do. That's not an outrageous claim at all. It's a pretty modest one, when you come to think about.

God wants Christians to trust His Word.  Paul told Timothy to rely on God's Word and not on his own cleverness or wisdom.  Speak My Word and I will take care of the rest, God seems to say.  That advice is as good today as it ever was.

(Praise & Worship, Woodlake Baptist Church / March 15, 2015)