2 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).
1verseBut know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come.
2verseFor men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3versewithout natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good,
4versetraitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5verseholding a form of godliness but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also.
6verseFor some of these are people who creep into houses and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7versealways learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8verseEven as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind, who concerning the faith are rejected.
9verseBut they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all men, as theirs also came to be.
10verseBut you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,
11versepersecutions, and sufferings—those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord delivered me out of them all.
12verseYes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13verseBut evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
14verseBut you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.
15verseFrom infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16verseEvery Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness,
17versethat each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
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.
