2Tim 3 “Don’t be Left Behind”

The “Left Behind Series” grabbed many viewers and revealed much about the rapture and the end times. But, suppose you could write the headline for the last day’s newspaper that will only be read by those who are “left behind.” Would it say something like this: Where were you when everyone disappeared? This chapter describes in detail why they are “left behind.” They like the people in Noah’s day were ignorant and indifferent to the signs that Jesus and Paul revealed.

Open today’s newspapers and it is almost as if you are reading from Matthew 24 and 2Tim 3! But, with all of that before us, we are to be busy about the Master’s business so that when he does return we are faithfully serving wherever and whenever. And part of that serving is to teach the inspired Word of God which is why Paul ended this chapter with this profound verse:

“Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,…” [2 Tim 3:16]

Not only does Paul tell us that the very Word of God was God breathed but also has four distinct purposes: teaching or instructing; reproving or revealing where one has erred; correction or bringing one back to the foundational principles; and lastly training in righteousness—that is ordering the training steps that will achieve that purpose.

Why did God prepare the scriptures and pass them on century after century? He tells us the reason: that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

Don’t be caught unawares and left behind. Instead drink in the God breathed Word so that you are prepared and ready to meet the Master. Know the scriptures and use them to equip yourself for His work.