1 Timothy 3
In 2 Timothy Chapter 3, Paul writes a letter to Timothy, his son in the faith, teaching about the difficulties that will come in the last days and, within them, the posture that believers should have. The entire chapter is divided into the difficulties of the last days (verses 1–9), Paul’s example and encouragement (verses 10–17).
1verseThis is a faithful saying: someone who seeks to be an overseer desires a good work.
2verseThe overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;
3versenot a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
4verseone who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence;
5verse(for how could someone who doesn’t know how to rule his own house take care of God’s assembly?)
6versenot a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.
7verseMoreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8verseServants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money,
9verseholding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
10verseLet them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless.
11verseTheir wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, and faithful in all things.
12verseLet servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
13verseFor those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14verseThese things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly,
15versebut if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in God’s house, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
16verseWithout controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.
The Difficulties of the Last Days and the People’s Character (Verses 1–9)
Paul warns that, in the last days, many people will become self-centered and deceptive, and although they will have the appearance of godliness, they will deny its power. In such a situation, he also expresses hope that those who oppose the gospel will eventually be revealed and will no longer be able to influence others.
Paul’s Life and Encouragement to Timothy (Verses 10–17)
Then Paul reminds Timothy of the example of his own life (faith, endurance, persecution, etc.), and he urges him that, to remain in the Scriptures even in times that are difficult and hard. He emphasizes that the teaching of Scripture equips God’s person fully and gives the ability to do every good work, because it does so.
Meditation Points
- What is the “character of the last days” that we can also see in our time today?
- What meaning does “remaining in the Scriptures,” which Paul emphasized, have for my own faith life?
Try Applying It to Me
- I look back to see whether, even in difficult circumstances, I am still staying with God’s word.
- I decide on one thing that I can put into practice in order to show the true example of faith in my life.
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