Paul wrote the letter we know as 2 Timothy while confined to a prison he knew would likely lead to his death. These last words to Timothy, his protégé, have always been especially poignant. Paul was writing to Timothy about what he should expect in the “last days” from people who were godless. Paul described them as “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth” (3:7). He then taught Timothy how to live differently from those who didn’t know God. 

Paul’s lesson to Timothy can be summed up in this way: “Remember what you have learned from me, from your family, and from others. We have taught you God’s truth.” That’s when Paul reminded Timothy that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable” to every area of our lives. Scripture is how God equips his children to accomplish the good work he has called us to do. 

If a financial investment came with a guaranteed return, we would do our best to be included. Scripture offers our lives a promise. If we invest our lives in God’s word, there will be a profit. If we want to fill our lives with “good work,” then we should fill our lives first with God’s word. 

Paul wanted Timothy to understand that the foundation of his ministry needed to be the word of God. When Paul wrote his letter he had no idea that he would continue to teach countless generations the important truth he taught his first-century protégé. The same Scripture that grounded Timothy’s ministry serves the Lord’s disciples today. 

The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The words of your Bible were “breathed out” by God himself, and he has promised to use them to profit your life and ministry when you invest in his truth.