Sola Scriptura 10

The man of God finds himself well quipped by the Word of God. Within the immediate preceding context (2 Timothy 3:10-15), the apostle instructed Timothy about the importance of being completely faithful to the Word of God.

But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (NKJV).

To be thoroughly equipped is actually one word, ἐξαρτίζω / exartizō, meaning adequately equipped or furnished. It is a work that God does on behalf of the “man of God” through the Word of God. 

What is the “man of God” thoroughly equipped to do? The text says, “For every good work,” meaning all, any kind, or all kinds of items. In this case, it is all kinds of good work. Good means useful, excellent, and honorable. It modifies the work which is done by the man of God through the efficiency of the Word of God. Work means undertaking or enterprise. Therefore, the work the man of God does is not only good, but capable of being accomplished through God’s Word. Scripture alone provides the man of God all he needs to accomplish the task God has given him.

When God calls a man to this good work, the man of God must realize the singular importance God places on such a stewardship. The man of God’s commitment to Sola Scriptura must not waver or wane. God gives believers a command for Commitment to Sola Scriptura – 2 Timothy 4:1-2.

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching” (NKJV).

The apostle’s inspired words to his young protégé emphasize the importance of a fervent commitment to Sola Scriptura. Examining each phrase separately, in order to comprehend how they fit as a whole, the text unfolds as follows.

• I charge you – This is a personal and earnest directive from Paul to Timothy. It borders upon being a command. The apostle is issuing a stern warning and admonishment.
   
• Therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ – The word “therefore” connects us back to the immediate, preceding context of 2 Timothy 3:15-17. This is due to  Scripture’s divine origin and authority, and that God and the Lord Jesus Christ were the originators, along with the Holy Spirit,  and omniscient scrutinizers of its handling.
   
• Who will judge – The stress is upon the imminent return of Jesus Christ and His judgment. This conveys a divine accountability. Who will Jesus Christ judge?
   
• The living and the dead – Those whom Jesus Christ will judge include the sheep and the goats judgment at the end of the ages.
   
• At His appearing and His kingdom – The return of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:1-21), and His public manifestation of His reign (Revelation 20:1-6).