06/08/2026
BIBLE SCHOOL 2027 
By Ps Richard Murphy
This morning the Lord has been speaking to me about Bible school and its purpose. In 2 Timothy, Paul writes his final letter to his spiritual son, Timothy. He gives him significant instruction, but he also speaks about passing on the knowledge of the gospel and ensuring that the next generation will be qualified to teach others, able to endure hardship, and able to live and serve in a godly way, keeping to the “rules” of the faith.
From verse 14 in chapter 2, Paul begins addressing the worker approved by God. He warns Timothy about quarrelling, deception, and arguments that produce no godly fruit. Then, in the well‑known verse 15, he says Timothy must do his best — or “study” — to present himself approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Paul continues by urging Timothy to avoid godless chatter, because false teachings spread quickly. Some translations describe these teachings as “gangrene,” others as “cancer.” Paul says such teachings destroy the faith of some.
He then speaks about the household of God, describing different kinds of vessels — some made of gold and silver, others of wood and clay. Some are used for noble purposes, others for common purposes. Paul urges Timothy to help people become vessels that are holy, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.
Paul instructs Timothy to flee evil desires, to resist the cravings of the flesh, and to pursue righteousness. He tells him not to argue, but to be able to teach, gentle in instruction, showing people the hope of the gospel. He encourages Timothy to pray that God will grant people repentance so they may escape the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Chapter 3 is an end‑time warning, and many of the characteristics Paul lists are clearly visible in our world today. He says there will be terrible times, and people will be:
• lovers of themselves
• lovers of money
• boastful and proud
• abusive
• disobedient to parents
• ungrateful and unholy
• without love
• slanderous
• unforgiving
• without self‑control
We see so many of these traits in society right now. Then Paul includes a sentence that has always been precious to me: “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
And then this profound statement: “having a form of godliness but denying its power.”
This is a direct warning to the church — people who appear religious but reject the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul then refers to Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses — an Old Testament example showing how false teachers resist truth.
Continuing the theme of teaching, Paul explains the nature of Scripture. In verse 15 he reminds Timothy that from infancy he has known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Then comes the foundational Bible‑school verse, 2 Timothy 3:16:
“All Scripture is God‑breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”
And verse 17 explains the purpose:
“so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
It is as if Paul’s final letter to his spiritual son Timothy — and to the church today — gives us the blueprint for the validity and necessity of responsible study of Scripture.
The focus is not only on preaching, worship, reading the Bible, or prayer. Paul calls for diligent, structured study of Scripture with a clear outcome:
• confidence in Scripture
• competence in Scripture
• effective understanding
• effective use of the Word
This is critical not only for ministry, but for every man and woman of God.
Therefore, Bible school, discipleship, or whatever name we give it, must be a central part of any local church — especially now, when people’s attention spans have become so short. Many want quick fixes, but they are not willing to put in the effort.
Returning to chapter 2, Paul says we must entrust these truths to reliable people who will be qualified to teach others. That is the heart of Bible school: raising up believers who can rightly handle the Word and pass it on faithfully.
