But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men,
as their’s also was. v 9
This scripture comes after talking of those who are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, those with reprobate minds. Those in the world will not agree, of course. They consider the gospel foolishness. They have refused to love the truth. There area also those who have named the name of Christ, but they do not walk in the truth.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness;
but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith,
longsuffering, charity, patience, v 10
Here Paul is saying, you are not like them. You know what I stand for, what I have taught you what the gospel is, what I have been preaching and you have received my purpose, faith, etc.
Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra;
what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. v 11
You know what I have faced and the Lord delivered me from all.
Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. v 12
This is a hard pill to swallow. If we follow the Lord, we will be persecuted. Those in the world and any human could allow themselves to be used of the enemy to launch persecution against those walking with Christ. Judgment of others comes in all forms and through those we would least expect sometimes.
We also would be wise to take King David’s example as he refused to touch God’s anointed, even when that man, King Saul, had refused to follow the Lord and the Lord’s Spirit departed from him.
I have seen many people rise up against those who are caught in sin. Heresy and other sin should be called out, but the ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord Jesus the Christ, our risen Savior. Our part in the matter should be very clean before God.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving,
and being deceived. v 13
I have recently seen those ensnared with another spirit claiming to be of God. Jesus’ name was used in the sideline. Can you imagine standing before the Lord and saying, I did Your work without You?
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; v 14
…knowing of whom thou hast learned them… that is of Jesus, that Paul has taught us, knowing Jesus and His heart toward us, His direction, what you have learned of and now know Him.
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. v 15
When you were babes in Christ, the same scriptures you have known that have become more solid to you as your foundation was built in the truth and the word of God, that now it has become your pillars, your strength in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the fear and reverence of Him.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: v 16
In case you were wondering who wrote The Bible,
it has been written by God and it is alive, just like our God.
In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God.
John 1:1
For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
You will hear it said by some that it was written by man or that it has been changed by man. I encourage you to take it at face value. He has given us His word to help us learn of Who Jesus is and to navigate to His kingdom while we dwell here on earth. Those who negate it or who exalt themselves above it in their thoughts and deeds are risking much. Love the truth and fear God.
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. v 17
He has given us all that we need. His word. Read it, learn it, memorize it, absorb it, pray it, let the Holy Spirit teach you it, love it, humble yourself before it, elevate it above any and all of your own thoughts.