Question:

2. Question: Are you afraid of “apostasy”? I don’t mean some sort of paralyzing fear that prevents you from doing anything because, after all, “it might be wrong.” Nor do I refer to a chicken little perspective of “the sky is falling” on the brotherhood. But what I do mean to ask is: Is “apostasy” even a real concern for you spiritually? Please consider some introductory passages: 2Thess.2:1-4; 1Tim.4:1-3; 2Tim.3:1-5

3. The Point? • There should be at least a healthy respect for the potential of apostasy, 1Cor.10:12. • All the introductory passages warned of its coming. • Is it even on your radar screen as something for which to watch? • If so, what do you do to prepare for the time, or to prevent apostasy from taking you personally? • In other words, “How do you protect yourself from apostasy?”

4. Personal Protection against Apostasy • The last introductory passage at which we looked, in 2Tim.3, will serve as our primary text. • In this chapter, after predicting the coming apostasy (v.1), describing its characteristics in detail (vv.2-9), and reminding Timothy of his own personal example and urging his continued faithfulness (vv.10-13), then • Paul gave the key to withstanding apostasy in vv.14-15. “…you have known the sacred writingswhich are able to give you wisdom that leads to salvation…”

5. So, “How does one get this knowledge of the ‘sacred writings’ and wisdom?” • From the text, Timothy was taught it “from his childhood” v.15a; presumably by his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice,2Tim.1:5. • But regardless of who teaches the sacred writings, or even if one is self-taught, two things must happen: • It must be learned (factual knowledge), v.14a; and • One must become convinced (believed) of it, .14b. This lesson, however, is not as much about how we getthe knowledge and wisdom of the Book, as much as it is about why that knowledge/wisdom is essential to produce salvation and protect us from apostasy!

6. Therefore, Six Quick Points on Why Knowledge and Wisdom in the Scriptures is So Important to Our Salvation: Because the inspired scriptures: (from vv.16-17) • Teach- vv.1-9 compared with vv.14-15make this abundantly clear. The first group may have even learned the scriptures, but they were obviously not convinced of their worth enough to practice them, v.14. • Reprove- Although no one likes reproof, it is the way of life, Prov.6:24, because of Jer.10:23. • Correct- Heb.12:5-11 tells us that discipline, or correction, is: a) provided by a loving Father; b) for our good; and c) yields peaceful co-existence in righteousness.

7. Therefore, Six Quick Points on Why Knowledge and Wisdom in the Scriptures is So Important to Our Salvation: Because the inspired scriptures: (from vv.16-17) • Train- Look what it did for Timothy, vv.14-15, 1:3-7 > 4:5, 1Tim.1:18; 2Tim.1:2; 2:1. See also Rom>10:1-3 > Acts 10:35. • Prepare- Or, to “be adequate”- this is the Greek word artios, which means complete, wanting in nothing. Cf. Eph.3:3-5 & 5:6-10 • Equip- For “every good work.” The revelation of “scripture” is therefore complete for nothing is lacking in man’s equipping but our own application of “All Scripture”! 2Pet.1:3