Anchor in a godless Society

     It is no doubt that we live in a time where we would say that the societies in the West are godless. In an age where so much is being done to make the gospel relevant to this godless society, which I am actually for if done right, we must also at the same time remember that we are to operate in the world of truth. Paul addressed this in 2nd Timothy by instructing Timothy how to live and minister in such a society.  It is one of the most important passages for those of us who minister in the West. Chapters 3 and 4 should be read consistently by us.  Paul gives us clear directions in regard to how this will work in 2 Timothy 3:12-17.  Read below.

12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

     As things keep going from bad to worse and the deception continues, then here is what we must keep in mind during those days.  Paul says we must continue in what we have learned, which means we go with our historic understanding of the gospel.  The gospel has not changed so we must plow ahead in what we believe and we are convinced of, because it is reliable for we received it from all those who have come before us.  That is his point in vs 12-14.  

     Now Paul lists our Anchor in a godless society.  It is the scripture that is that for us.  The Scripture is God's breath and is helpful for teaching how to live, rebuking us when we choose poorly, correcting us when our way gets lost, and moving us further and further into God's righteousness.  It is the scripture, the scripture, and the scripture. It marks the church, guides the church, and is the very life of the church.

     Paul then says that we are most equipped for ministry when we know the scripture.  Look carefully at verse 17, "so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work".  This is so against the conventional wisdom of missions and church ministry.  We strategize so much about how to do a good job, but Paul would say all we need to be equipped for ministry - is a deep knowledge of the scripture.

     Maybe we should rethink a few things.