THE REASON FOR WRITING

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 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14‭-‬15 ESV

¶Paul offers his final charge to faithful Timothy. At the time of his departure, his life being poured out like a drink offering, chained to the walls of a Roman dungeon, to whom does Paul turn to model his final charge to Timothy?
To Moses's final words to his people, whose promise in Deuteronomy 4 still stands: "I have taught you statutes and rules...Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples."

As for Paul himself, his final requests are for a cloak against the chill, and his personal copies of the Scriptures. Even the apostle, faced with physical suffering and doctrinal challenges to his teaching, dealt with questions to his faith. That he requested these writings indicates to us how to keep the faith in difficult times even when it's under question.
Paul may have searched the scriptures for doctrinal proofs, but, as well, to be searched by them, to discover if there were any additional bit of obedience he could offer to the Lord in his confinement.

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