Thoroughly Equipped
Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus are said to be his pastoral epistles, but it should be noted that this part of the Bible is not just for pastors and church leaders. Paul’s counsel to these young ministers are guidelines that we all need, to be able to mature in our experience with God. Paul emphasizes the importance of the Word of God so one can be thoroughly equipped for every good work. These epistles were written toward the end of Paul’s life and were motivated by a concern he had of error, in doctrine and behavior, entering into the Church. Many were being led astray from the foundation Paul had laid by embracing a lascivious life style and corrupt standard for truth. Paul knew that the only way to correct this detour was to get back to the Word of God. Experience had to be judged by Scripture and behavior was to conform to the Word of God and not the mores of society.
Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, admonishes him to be diligent in his handling of the Word of God. The King James Version uses the word “study” instead of “diligent” to describe how to show oneself approved unto God. Though “study” is not the best translation, it is implicit in how we are to be diligent as a workman, that handles well the Word of God. (II Timothy 2:15) Jesus said that the Scriptures speak of Himself. (John 5:39) Jesus is the Word of God. He is Truth. It is not subject to private interpretation and does not change from generation to generation. Paul was aware that some people were gravitating to those who would teach only what they wanted to hear. There was a generation arising that only wanted to feel good, rather than please God. They did not want to be corrected by the Word, but rather have their ears tickled. (II Timothy 4:3) Yet, the Scriptures were given for just this reason. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)
Paul urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus to instruct the Church in sound doctrine. (I Timothy 1:3) Doctrine is the systematic teaching of foundational beliefs. In Hebrews, chapter 6, we are given the elementary doctrines about Christ. They are: Repentance from dead works, faith in God, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. (v.1-2) We must build on this foundation to be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Getting off this foundation gets us off the track and into error. Personal experience is not the basis for truth; the Word of God is. The signs and wonders follow the Word. Spirituality must be grounded in the objective, revealed truth that is found in the Bible.
In Stephen Mansfield’s biography of Derek Prince, he named Dr. Prince as the father of the neo-charismatic movement. He differentiated the two movements in this way: the charismatic movement as being more experienced based, (gifts of the Spirit and Baptism in the Holy Spirit), whereas the neo-charismatic movement as founded on good exegesis of Scripture as well as the experience of the life in the Spirit. Where the Pentecostals had suspicioned academic pursuits as not being spiritual, Derek Prince brought a respect for intellectual understanding of the things of the Spirit. The Scriptures have always served a basis for revelation and as a means for maintaining accuracy in establishing doctrine. The Spirit and the Word are One. You cannot have one without the other. Derek Prince modelled this in his teaching and ministry. By being Biblical you are also spiritual, and in this way you are thoroughly equipped for your life and ministry.
Scriptures to meditate on:
I Timothy 1:3-7, 10; 4:13, 16; II Timothy 1:13; 2:15; 3:15-17; 4:1-3