2 Timothy 2 & 3

As Paul recognized -


"...the time of my departure is at hand..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 4:6)


he provides to some of his faithful associates and leaders his last and most sincere counsel. It is to Timothy he teaches -

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17)

Joseph Smith clarified -

"...all Scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable..." (New Testament:2 Timothy 3:16)

The scriptures are profitable or "beneficial or useful for instruction". They are given that man may know the way to perfection and how we are to behave in doing good works. They are the very thing -

"...which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
(New Testament 2 Timothy 3:15)

Knowing that, Paul's final counsel includes -

"...continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:14 - 15)

Therefore -

"...Study to shew thyself approved unto God..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 2:15)

It is essential that we diligently study for Paul forewarns that for many -

"...the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (New Testament 2 Timothy 4:3 - 4)

For he knew that in the last days -

"...perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:1 - 7)

Studying the scriptures is important for as Paul prophesies -

"Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first...." (New Testament 2 Thessalonians 2:3)

Therefore, as the Savior said -

"Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them." (New Testament Luke 21:8)

We "take heed" as we study and ponder his words which "will make thee wise unto salvation".