MAIN IDEA
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned in Rome, writes to young Timotheous to encourage him to continue in what he has learned and has been convinced of concerning his faith which is based on the Holy Scripture.

THE REMINDER OF PERSECUTION
Paul recounts his time of persecution in three cities: Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. It is likely that Timothy was aware or may have heard about Paul’s endurance. The three cities Paul faced persecution in were all directly prior to his encounter with Timothy in Derbe (Acts 16). Persecution will come to those that attempt to live a godly life in Christ especially as society becomes more evil.

THE REMINDER TO PERSEVERE
We must not only learn theology but we must be convinced of the theology we uphold as Christians. Paul encourages Timothy to continue in what he has learned and have been convinced of. Learning is what we know, convinced is what our convictions are behind what we know. And only when we are convinced of what we know, are we able then to continue.

Side Note: Let us be thankful for whom God has brought into our lives to help us grow spiritually. Timothy knew the sacred writing since infancy because of the faith of his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois.

THE REMINDER OF THE POWER
We have motivation to persevere in our faith for we not only know but we are convinced of the power behind the Holy Scriptures. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Inspiration is from the Greek words: Theo and Pneustos, which means God-breathe. God used 40 different authors to pen His words compiled into 66 books over a span of around 1,500 years in 3 different languages. The Bible’s author is God and He is alive, therefore making the Bible the living Word of God. It’s ability include teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. It has the power to transform lives not for a season but for eternity. And as an offensive weapon, it can be used to fight in spiritual warfare.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• What type of persecution have you faced for attempting to live a godly life?

• What have we learned and have been convinced of that we can use to motivate us to continue to remain faithful in our Christian life?

• What does the Bible mean for you and how can we appreciate the power behind it?