READ: 2 Timothy 3 (Focus vs. 1–9 & 14–17)
MEMORY VERSE
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
BACKGROUND
In the late 1800s, people in different places developed similar ministry resources at the same time. The first was in Montreal, Canada, in 1877. In 1898, another concept was launched in New York City.
By 1922, some five thousand of these programs were active in North America each summer. Thus, began the early history of Vacation Bible School. The passion that fueled those VBS pioneers was a desire for young people to know the Bible.
Paul had a similar passion for his young protégé Timothy, writing that “Scripture is God-breathed” and equips us “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
But this wasn’t just the benign suggestion that “it’s good to read your Bible.” Paul’s admonition follows the dire warning that “there will be terrible times in the last days” (v. 1), with false teachers who are “never able to come to a knowledge of the truth” (v. 7).
It’s essential we protect ourselves with Scripture, for it immerses us in the knowledge of our Savior, making us “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (v. 15).
Studying the Bible isn’t just for kids; it’s for adults too. And it isn’t just for summer; it’s for every day. Paul wrote to Timothy, “from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures” (v. 15), but it’s never too late to begin.
Whatever stage of life we’re in, the wisdom of the Bible connects us to Jesus. This is God’s VBS lesson to us all.
By: Kenneth Petersen
INSIGHT
Timothy first appears on the pages of Scripture in Acts 16:1, where he joins Paul and Silas on their missionary journey. He’s described there as having a Greek father but a Jewish mother who was a believer in Jesus.
This corresponds with Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 1:5, where he cites Timothy’s grandmother (Lois) and mother (Eunice) as being positive spiritual influences in his development.
It seems that this is the influence to which the apostle refers in 2 Timothy 3:15, where Paul says that Timothy had been taught the Scriptures “from infancy.”
By: Bill Crowder
APPLICATION
What are your favorite Scripture passages? How do they point to Christ?
PR’s (PASTOR RICHARD) TAKE
Just as builders who cannot read blueprints are sure to mess up on projects being undertaken, so believers who can’t read the Manual of their Faith are sure to “mess” up also. pr
“Work (Study) hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 nlt/niv
PR’s RE-EMPHASIS (From Post)
“It’s essential we protect ourselves with Scripture, for it immerses us in the knowledge of our Savior…”
PRAYER
“Loving God, thank You for the gift of Scripture and how it helps me learn about Jesus.”
TODAY’s HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“STUDY TO SHOW THYSELF APPROVED” Alfred B. Smith
Study to show thyself approved
Unto God,
Approved unto God,
Approved unto God.
Study to show thyself
Approved unto God,
A workman
That needeth not,
to be ashamed,
Not to be ashamed,
Not to be ashamed,
A workman…
Rightly dividing,
Rightly dividing,
Rightly dividing the Word of Truth.
READING THROUGH THE ENTIRE BIBLE THIS YEAR (DAILY)
Deuteronomy 28-29
Mark 14; 54-72
