But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 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.
2 Timothy 3:14-15
There was a certain spiritual strength that had created in Timothy a vital foundation. Paul appealed to a firm knowledge of the scriptures, something that had been instilled in him as a young boy. The grace of God came early to this boy as he grew up learning the holy scriptures from his mother and grandmother. He was privileged to have a biblical background. It made a huge difference in the way he now lived his adult life in service to his Lord.
Paul's admonishment was to continue on in the very truths he had become familiar with as a child. The implication is that a biblical worldview will last a lifetime. We just keep growing in our knowledge and practice of the truth as it is explained for us in the scriptures. We continue in them. Paul could appeal to a relational strength. Timothy knew who had taught him the Word of God. They were close to his heart (mother and grandmother) and key disciplers and ministry builders (the apostle Paul). So relational discipleship in the objective source of scripture gave Paul the firm facts to point Timothy toward as the young man discipled and developed Christians and church leaders himself.
I firmly believe in the vitality of studying the scriptures as well as the ministry necessity of relational discipleship. The two are the basis of all ministry. The process is how the gospel spreads and the church remains crucial in impacting culture for the glory of God. We must know, love, and live God's Truth. We must learn to love it in the company of other believers whom we love and who love us as Christ loves us. We must see all of that task as our way of loving God and making His glory and grace the message of our lives.
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