2 Timothy 3:17
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That the man of God - The preacher of righteousness, the minister of the Gospel, the person who derives his commission from God, and always appears as his herald and servant. May be perfect - Αρτιος· From αρω, to fit or adapt. It properly signifies an integer or whole number in arithmetic, to which nothing needs to be added to make it complete. Throughly furnished - Εξηρτισμενος· From εξ, intensive, and αρτιος, complete; see above. Not only complete in himself as to his integrity, religious knowledge, faith in Jesus, and love to God and man, but that he should have all those qualifications which are necessary to complete the character, and insure the success of a preacher, of the Gospel. Timothy was to teach, reprove, correct, and instruct others; and was to be to them a pattern of good works. From what the apostle says here concerning the qualifications of a Christian minister, we may well exclaim: Who is capable of these things? Is it such a person as has not intellect sufficient for a common trade or calling? No. A preacher of the Gospel should be a man of the soundest sense, the most cultivated mind, the most extensive experience, one who is deeply taught of God, and who has deeply studied man; one who has prayed much, read much, and studied much; one who takes up his work as from God, does it as before God, and refers all to the glory of God; one who abides under the inspiration of the Almighty, and who has hidden the word of God in his heart, that he might not sin against him. No minister formed by man can ever be such as is required here. The school of Christ, and that alone, can ever form such a preacher.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
man of God--(See on Ti1 6:11). perfect, throughly furnished--Greek, "thoroughly perfected," and so "perfect." The man of God is perfectly accoutred out of Scripture for his work, whether he be a minister (compare Ti2 4:2 with Ti2 3:16) or a spiritual layman. No oral tradition is needed to be added. Next: 2 Timothy Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:17 Paul makes it clear that salvation (3:15) results in godliness (see Gal 1:4; 5:16-26; Eph 2:8-10).
2 Timothy 3:17
All Scripture Is God-Breathed
16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,17so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Speak Boldly: Being a Faithful Witness
By Mike Bickle2057:20Faithful WitnessBoldness in TruthPSA 115:16ISA 19:22JER 23:24EZK 33:3DAN 11:33MAT 24:14JHN 7:242TI 3:17REV 1:5REV 22:20Mike Bickle emphasizes the critical role of being a faithful witness to the truth, drawing from Revelation 1:5 to illustrate Jesus as the ultimate faithful witness. He discusses the challenges and costs associated with speaking boldly about the truth, highlighting the need for personal insight and a deep connection to God's word. Bickle warns against the temptation to only share positive messages, urging believers to also expose lies and announce prophetic warnings. He stresses the importance of a covenant community that cries out for God's intervention in their nations, preparing for the return of Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a generation of witnesses who will faithfully proclaim the full message of the kingdom, including both its blessings and judgments.
The Perfect Heart
By Catherine Booth0GEN 15:62CH 16:9PSA 37:37MAT 5:481CO 2:62TI 3:17Catherine Booth preaches on the story of King Asa from 2 Chronicles 16:9, highlighting the importance of having a perfect heart towards God. She emphasizes how God seeks those who are loyal, obedient, and trusting in Him wholeheartedly, using examples from David, Paul, and Abraham to illustrate the characteristics of a perfect heart. Catherine Booth warns against being partial in our devotion to God, urging believers to be sincere and thorough in their love and service to experience God's strength and favor in their lives.
The Reinforcement of Spirituality
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual ReinforcementTurning Points in FaithISA 40:31EZK 47:1ROM 8:11CO 15:44EPH 6:12PHP 4:131TI 6:122TI 2:32TI 3:172TI 4:6T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical turning points in the spiritual life of God's people, both individually and corporately, highlighting the importance of God's provision during these crises. He draws parallels from the construction of the Tabernacle, where corner boards serve as reinforcements at delicate turning points, symbolizing the need for spiritual reinforcement in times of crisis. The letters of Paul to Timothy are presented as a response to a significant turning point in the Church's history, underscoring the necessity of recovering and reinforcing spirituality to navigate challenges. Sparks asserts that true Christianity is fundamentally spiritual, and all growth must be rooted in this spiritual reality. Ultimately, he calls for believers to recognize and strengthen their spiritual lives to safeguard against decline and ensure a robust testimony for the future.
Be Thou Perfect!
By F.B. Meyer0Whole-hearted DevotionTrust in God's PromisesGEN 17:1PSA 28:1MAT 5:48MAT 6:22GAL 3:72TI 3:17HEB 8:10HEB 13:20F.B. Meyer emphasizes God's call to Abraham to 'walk before Me, and be thou perfect,' highlighting the importance of whole-hearted devotion to God. He reflects on the long silence Abraham experienced, which tested his faith and reliance on God's promises. Meyer clarifies that perfection does not equate to sinlessness but rather to a complete surrender and commitment to God. He encourages believers to seek a life of undivided devotion, trusting in the Almighty God who empowers them to fulfill His calling. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, personal relationship with God, where His presence guides every aspect of life.
Perfection in Christ
By Charles S. Price0MAT 5:482CO 13:9PHP 1:6PHP 3:12PHP 3:152TI 3:17HEB 6:1HEB 10:14JAS 1:41PE 5:10Charles S. Price preaches about the pursuit of Christian perfection, emphasizing that it is an achievable goal as outlined in the Bible. He challenges the congregation to seek a life so immersed in Christ that earthly concerns pale in comparison to eternal truths, urging them to press on towards the heights of perfection in Christ. Price highlights the importance of trusting in God's grace and power to attain Christian perfection, emphasizing that God never asks His children to strive for the impossible but provides the necessary grace to meet His commands.
The Grace of Longsuffering the Counterpart of "Gifts of healing."
By Smith Wigglesworth0Gifts of HealingLongsufferingPSA 91:16HAB 2:14MAT 7:7LUK 10:19JHN 17:161CO 12:92CO 1:82TI 3:171PE 5:101JN 4:4Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the significance of longsuffering as a prerequisite for the gifts of healing, urging believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit to understand and operate in these gifts. He highlights that true healing comes from a place of compassion and authority over evil forces, and that believers must be willing to confront and cast out these forces with confidence in God's power. Wigglesworth encourages the congregation to awaken to their potential in Christ, stressing that the gifts of healing are not merely for personal gain but for the benefit of others, and that a deep relationship with God is essential for effective ministry.
Evangelical Perfection
By Thomas Cook0GEN 17:1DEU 30:6MAT 5:48MRK 1:17EPH 4:13PHP 3:12PHP 3:152TI 3:17HEB 13:201JN 4:18Thomas Cook preaches on the Scriptural terms 'holiness,' 'perfect love,' and 'perfection,' explaining that they all refer to the same state of grace. He emphasizes that perfect love represents the moral atmosphere in which a sanctified Christian lives, while perfection signifies spiritual completeness achieved when all internal struggles are overcome. Cook discusses the importance of understanding the term 'perfect' in a spiritual context, as it is frequently used in the Bible to describe human character under the influence of grace. He clarifies that while absolute perfection belongs only to God, evangelical perfection is attainable in the present life through continuous growth and development in love and service to God.
St. Paul Magnifies the Meaning of Perfection
By Daniel Steele0ROM 8:172CO 13:9EPH 4:12COL 3:142TI 3:17Daniel Steele preaches about the pursuit of sanctified and perfected character as expressed in the New Testament, emphasizing the central role of love in achieving Christian perfection and the unity it brings to virtues. The ultimate goal is to glorify God through the transformation of human spirits back to the image of their Creator. The sermon delves into the rare Greek word 'teleiotaes' for perfectness, found in Colossians 3:14, and 'katartisis' for perfection in 2 Corinthians 13:9, highlighting the completeness and symmetry of Christian character. The message urges believers to press on towards perfection, not as an unattainable ideal but as a continuous journey of growth in holiness and spiritual knowledge.
The True Servant and the Grace of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0ServanthoodGrace Of God1KI 17:9ISA 42:1ISA 61:1ROM 12:12CO 12:9EPH 1:10PHP 4:41TI 1:111TI 2:32TI 3:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of being a true servant of God, rooted in the grace of God. He explains that the purpose of Christian service is to contribute to the fullness of Christ, and that every believer, regardless of their role, is called to minister to this end. The sermon highlights that true servanthood begins with the individual, who must embody Christ and glorify His grace personally. Sparks also discusses the essential qualities of a servant, including humility, assurance, and joy, all stemming from a deep understanding of God's grace. Ultimately, he calls believers to recognize their identity as servants who reflect the grace of God in their lives.
Christian Service From God's Standpoint
By T. Austin-Sparks0Christian ServiceThe Fullness of Christ2KI 17:9MAT 5:16JHN 15:5ROM 12:41CO 12:12EPH 4:12PHP 2:13COL 1:171TI 6:112TI 3:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that Christian service from God's perspective is about contributing to the fullness of Christ, rather than merely performing specific roles or functions within the church. He argues that every believer, regardless of their visible role, is called to minister to Christ and His body, and that true service is rooted in the character and state of the servant rather than their qualifications. Sparks highlights that God desires servants who reflect Christ and possess a deep personal relationship with Him, as this is what truly qualifies them for service. He reminds us that the essence of ministry is not in public recognition but in the hidden life of faith and obedience to God. Ultimately, the focus should be on what we are contributing to the body of Christ and how we are reflecting His fullness in our lives.
Not by Bread Alone
By R.A. Torrey0Spiritual GrowthBible StudyPSA 119:11MAT 4:4JHN 7:17JHN 15:7JHN 16:13ACT 17:112TI 3:171JN 2:14R.A. Torrey emphasizes the necessity of regular and systematic Bible study for spiritual growth, asserting that just as physical health relies on proper nutrition, so does spiritual health depend on the Word of God. He warns against the dangers of neglecting personal Bible study, especially in a world filled with false doctrines, and encourages believers to cultivate a daily habit of engaging with Scripture. Torrey outlines practical methods for studying the Bible, including setting aside dedicated time, studying systematically, and approaching the text with prayer and a desire for obedience. He highlights the importance of viewing Bible study as a personal encounter with God, facilitated by the Holy Spirit as the ultimate teacher. Ultimately, Torrey asserts that diligent Bible study leads to spiritual success and a deeper relationship with Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That the man of God - The preacher of righteousness, the minister of the Gospel, the person who derives his commission from God, and always appears as his herald and servant. May be perfect - Αρτιος· From αρω, to fit or adapt. It properly signifies an integer or whole number in arithmetic, to which nothing needs to be added to make it complete. Throughly furnished - Εξηρτισμενος· From εξ, intensive, and αρτιος, complete; see above. Not only complete in himself as to his integrity, religious knowledge, faith in Jesus, and love to God and man, but that he should have all those qualifications which are necessary to complete the character, and insure the success of a preacher, of the Gospel. Timothy was to teach, reprove, correct, and instruct others; and was to be to them a pattern of good works. From what the apostle says here concerning the qualifications of a Christian minister, we may well exclaim: Who is capable of these things? Is it such a person as has not intellect sufficient for a common trade or calling? No. A preacher of the Gospel should be a man of the soundest sense, the most cultivated mind, the most extensive experience, one who is deeply taught of God, and who has deeply studied man; one who has prayed much, read much, and studied much; one who takes up his work as from God, does it as before God, and refers all to the glory of God; one who abides under the inspiration of the Almighty, and who has hidden the word of God in his heart, that he might not sin against him. No minister formed by man can ever be such as is required here. The school of Christ, and that alone, can ever form such a preacher.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
man of God--(See on Ti1 6:11). perfect, throughly furnished--Greek, "thoroughly perfected," and so "perfect." The man of God is perfectly accoutred out of Scripture for his work, whether he be a minister (compare Ti2 4:2 with Ti2 3:16) or a spiritual layman. No oral tradition is needed to be added. Next: 2 Timothy Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:17 Paul makes it clear that salvation (3:15) results in godliness (see Gal 1:4; 5:16-26; Eph 2:8-10).