CONTINUE IN WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED. 2nd Timothy 3:14 Under the pressure of persecutions and afflictions, patience is necessary to endure hostility and the pain of being misunderstood, mistreated, and slandered. If needed, patience helps us remain strong and silent instead of falling into despair. Paul's patience is contrasted with the pride shown by false teachers. Timothy knew this about Paul from childhood when opposition to him was fierce and harsh. Often, opposition to us arises because of our dedication to sound doctrine. Those who oppose us often follow for a long time, while those who seek our downfall rarely give up easily. Suffering for what is right during times of apostasy or deliberate rejection of the truth is unavoidable; it will happen. Such experiences may tempt us to quit, but the Lord is there. It is encouraging to remember that, among all the difficulties, the phrase "Lord delivered me" was what Paul experienced, and it reminds us that He will deliver us and continue to do so. Paul knew the Lord delivered him in many different ways and places. These truths come from reliable, proven people of faith. Paul, Lois, Eunice, and likely others played a role in Timothy's life. He may have even learned to read the scriptures at home from his mother and grandmother. Some of us think about our homes and the people who taught us about dignity, integrity, honesty, righteousness, and whose affections contrasted with "silly women" laden with sins. We trusted these faithful individuals because their actions matched their words. We often remember the lessons we learned when we first became Christians. Even children can memorize, understand truth simply, grow in Christ spiritually, and develop moral standards to guide their lives. In teaching children, we prepare them for salvation through Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:14