2Timothy 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
We are to continue in two things: Vs14
1) What we have learned (Doctrine is important. The word doctrine simply defined is a structured teaching. Everyone has followed some sort of structured teaching along the way. The question is what structured teaching have you embraced? Can your structured teaching be defended soundly by Scripture as a whole? The ability to deceive others is heightened where the idea of not having sound doctrine is promoted. The conscience is undeveloped or deceived where the Scriptures are not properly taught. True and healthy discernment is the byproduct of sound teaching and belief. Sound teaching and doctrine take into consideration the whole of Scripture.)
2) What we have firmly believed (not a passing belief in something but a belief we are willing to contend for. Firmly believing implies that it is a belief that at this point and time is non negotiable and strongly set in us. Is there a body of truth that you believe so firmly by a convinced faith you are unwilling to let it go? We are for instance encouraged to earnestly contend for the faith. What faith? The faith once handed down to the saints. Faith in this case is not an abstract concept of believing for something but rather believing in something. More particularly a person, Christ Jesus. In such a case getting the gospel right would be a tremendous significance.)
About The Author
- Tim Atchley
- Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
- I currently serve as Senior Pastor of Harvest Church in Knoxville, Tn. I was sent out from Trinity Chapel of Knoxville in 1993 accompanied by my wife Sheila our four children Sarah, Hannah, Josiah & Isaac and a handful of bold, brave and committed believers determined to plant our first church. Pioneering is hard work but well worth the journey. That is why we desire to make disciples of Christ who will, like us, also embrace the call to plant churches.
