READ: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

My son and I had the opportunity to take a tour of the impressive Museum of the Bible (MOTB) in Washington, DC, before its official opening. A guide led us through the 430,000 square foot, eight floor edifice and gave us a glimpse of the extraordinary structure that will house research labs and libraries, exhibitions, classrooms, lecture halls, gathering rooms and biblical gardens.

While knowing more about the Bible doesn’t equate to truly understanding it, I’m looking forward to visiting the MOTB again soon to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:15-17 that they are able to bring “wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus”, “inspired by God”, “useful to teach what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives”, able to “[correct] us when we are wrong and [teach] us to do what is right” and used by God “to prepare and equip his people to do every good work”.

When the apostle Paul wrote this passage to Timothy—his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2)—he did so with a warning that “in the last days there will be very difficult times” and difficult people (2 Timothy 3:1-9). Paul understood that as Timothy governed the church at Ephesus and was increasingly entrusted with missions of great importance, he needed to remain “faithful to the things that he had been taught . . . from childhood” (vv.14-15).

Like Timothy, as we cling to the truths of the Bible, we receive wisdom from God to be able to discern truth. And as we yield to the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds, He can change and transform us to be used even more effectively in the building of Christ’s kingdom (vv.15-17).

—Roxanne Robbins