How Will Scripture Study Help Us to Be an Example of Believers?

My Come Follow Me studies for this week took me to First and Second Timothy, Titus, and Philemon in a lesson titled “Be Thou an Example of the Believers.” The following counsel preceded the lesson: “Sometimes it’s helpful to approach our scripture study with one or more questions in mind. Invite the Spirit to guide you to answers as you study, and record any inspiration you receive.” The lesson was introduced by the following information. 

In the epistles Paul wrote to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon, we get a glimpse into the heart of a servant of the Lord. Unlike Paul’s other epistles to entire congregations, these were written to individuals – Paul’s close friends and associates in God’s work – and reading them is like listening in on a conversation. We see Paul encouraging Timothy and Titus, two leaders of congregations, in their Church service. We see him entreating his friend Philemon to reconcile with a fellow Saint and treat him like a brother in the gospel. Paul’s words were not addressed to us directly, and he may never have expected that so many people would one day read them. Yet we find in these epistles counsel and encouragement for us, whatever our personal ministry in the service of Christ might be.

In pondering the available principles for this post, I felt prompted to discuss the following value found in the Sunday School manual: “Studying the scriptures can help us overcome the perils of the last days” (2 Timothy 3). 

Paul warned his friend Timothy that there would be perils in the last days. The fact that he was warning Timothy about them makes the argument that Paul expected the Savior to return during the life of Timothy. Here we are 2000 years later, and we are still looking forward to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

1 This know also, 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,

3Without 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 (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

After Paul gave his warning to Timothy about “perilous times” to come, he testified to him of the power and importance of the scriptures (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17).

14 But 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, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Paul taught that the scriptures are profitable for several reasons with the first being doctrine. Elder David A. Bednar taught the following about doctrine: “Rather doctrine refers to the eternal, unchanging, and simple truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ…. Doctrines are never altered. They never vary. They will always be the sake. You can count on them…” (“Teach Them to Understand,” June 4, 1998, Ricks College Campus Education Week Devotional).

Elder Boyd K. Packer taught, “True doctrine understood changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior” (“Little Children,” Ensign, November 1986, pg. 17).

Elder Packer’s statement emphasized is TRUE doctrine UNDERSTOOD changes attitudes and behavior. The doctrine must be true in the first place for it to do any good, and then it must be understood correctly. The best place to teach and learn true doctrine is in our homes with our own families. Understanding true doctrine will help the rising generation to avoid many of the dangers in these perilous times. Studying and discussing the doctrines as a family will strengthen the entire family.