Learning to Listen #5

In II Timothy 3, Paul is telling Tim to beware who he listens to, because there are a lot of false, deceiving, evil voices out there which lead people to this condition:  always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. Paul then offers a contrast, a different path in verse:
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Paul had already described how Timothy grew up listening to his mother and grandmother, both women of faith, and that more recently, he has been following Paul's life and teaching as a follower of Christ. What both examples have demonstrated are a dependence upon the scriptures. Learn to listen to the truth, found in the scriptures, and demonstrated by godly people.  And when the two disagree, remember that we as people fail, but the scriptures are foundational, more dependable and authoritative: they come from God. Go to the scriptures as the handbook on life the way God intends it to be. Go to the scriptures to find out what you're doing wrong and how to make it right. God to the scriptures for often needed relationship advice, and you'll be ready for life. Learn to listen to God's people as they share with you God's Word.