2 Timothy 3
-Paul warns Timothy of the godless people of the last days,
which inexplicably applies to us now in our current context as prophecy, here
in this chapter with an eye on the accuracy of Scripture to be able to thwart
and correct these deceivers in order that every good work may be equipped by
the man of God. Paul says the last days will be marked by difficult times for people
will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money ($), proud, arrogant, abusive,
disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless (lack of compassion &
love), unappeasable (irreconcilable, trucebreakers), slanderous, without
self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with
conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than God having an appearance of godliness,
but denying it power (the Holy Spirit’s work, 2 Timothy 3:1-5). These will sneak
into households and capture weak and unsuspecting women burdened with sins and
led astray by various sexual passions. These will be ever learning, but never
able to come (or arrive) at a knowledge of the truth (alatheia, uprightness, certainty, reliability, reality, 2 Timothy
3:6-7). The situation of Jannes and Jambres, who opposed Moses in Egypt as
deceivers and fakes, is given credence here. These names are given in
extrabiblical Jewish writings to the magicians who opposed Moses in Exodus
7:8-13 when he gave his first signs to Pharaoh leading to the Hebrews’
deliverance. In these writings, these men with names familiar to Timothy and the
Jews although not in the cannon of Scripture became the key symbols of
opposition to God’s truth. *Application* Our current world is definitely marked
with these types of individuals even in spiritual leadership. From this we
should be aware that the end is near as God will not tolerate this
ridiculousness forever. His promise is included here in verses 8 & 9. These
people who oppose the truth of God will be corrupted in their mind,
disqualified regarding the faith (which saves through Christ Jesus), not get
very far in their depravity, and their folly will be plain to see by all just
like in the Egyptian situation. Never fear, God is still in control and will
bring correction to the unjust situations of this world caused by workers of
evil.
-Timothy is different from all these false teachers and
prophets. The apostle’s student has followed his teaching, his conduct, his aim
in life, his faith, his patience, his love, his steadfastness, his
persecutions, and his sufferings. These persecutions and suffering happened,
among other places, in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra (where Timothy was from).
Yet from all these afflictions God rescued Paul and gave him a testimony of His
grace. Paul claims an important cost of discipleship in verse twelve and
thirteen: “Indeed, all who desire to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be
persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse
deceiving and being deceived.” Timothy is exhorted to continue in what he has
learned and firmly believed since he knows from whom he learned it. Paul says
from his childhood Timothy has been acquainted with the sacred writings, which
are able to make one wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Then
Paul makes an important theological point: “All Scripture is breathed out (inspired,
carried out) by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, equipped
for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).” *Application* Here we see the
antithesis of the ungodly man in this young disciple. Just like Timothy, we
should become acquainted with the LORD’s Word in the Bible and apply it to our
lives. This God-breathed message should become our sufficiency in our teaching,
conduct, life’s aim, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, and endurance. Be a
person of God, lean on His understanding and accept His design for you
(Proverbs 3:5-6).
Verses to Memorize- 2
Timothy 3:1-5, 16-17
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