Written ~ 11-01-2024
Read 2 Timothy Chapter Three
2 Timothy 3
As we continue Paul’s very last letter before his execution, the warnings he gives us in today’s chapter could easily be ripped out of our daily headlines in the 21st century! We know Paul’s inspiration was given to him by the Lord Himself through the Holy Spirit, so it shouldn’t come to any surprise that what he writes about in this chapter extends throughout every generation.
We will start off with the first five verses of chapter three, as we read through these verses, think about what you hear in the news today, think about what you see in your own experiences, and you’ll be quick to recognize everything Paul talks about is happening right now.
2 Timothy 3:1-5…
1 “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!”
Boy. I don’t know about you, but with this being an election year for the President to the United States, all I can see in these verses is what this nation is facing right now. Voices on both sides are loud with controversy. But a lot of times what we see portrayed in our news programs and talk shows is the incredible ignorance folks have towards the Almighty God. And sometimes, even though a lot of folks try to be considerate, lines are drawn in the church as well. It’s sad to say but even believers will fall into the traps of everything those five verses are describing. This is the exact reason why Paul is urging Timothy and every believer today to, “stay away from people like this!” What “people” is he talking about here? Any person who involves themselves in what Paul has listed in those five verses, especially any person who acts religious, but rejects God and rejects Salvation.
Let’s jump down to verses 3:14-17…
2 Timothy 3:14-17…
14 “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”
These few verses ring especially true for my life. I grew up in a Christian home, going to church and learning from the Word of God was a regular part of my life. It is quite true that if you read the Bible, live by its foundational purposes, your life will be led to the things that honor the Lord. Studying the Scriptures and learning from them provides the wisdom you need to live a godly life. If reading and studying the Word of God is not a priority, it is impossible to live according to the instructions hidden within its pages. It becomes easy to disregard the precious Words of God if picking up your Bible becomes less and less important. As this world continues to grow darker, colder, some may turn to its bright lights for wisdom, they may seek instruction from those who wish only to deceive them. Guard your hearts from such things happening in your life. Seek the Lord by remembering what you were taught as a child.
Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves that 2 Timothy is the final letter written by Paul to Timothy. Paul refers to Timothy as his son, though he was not his biological son, Paul loved Timothy as a son. 2 Timothy 1:2a says, “I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.” It is so important to have someone in your life who will raise you in the things of the Lord. If you did not grow up with parents who lovingly taught you the things of the Lord or led you to trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then find someone who will teach you, guide you, help you learn who God is and the importance of knowing Christ personally.
2 Timothy 3:14…
14 “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.”
Again, it is really important to have someone in your life who will remind you of the things you have been taught. We aren’t meant to walk along this journey with Christ all by ourselves! We need to align ourselves with other believers.
Do you understand why Paul is telling us to remain faithful? There are so many things in the world today that can steer us off the path leading to the Lord.
Look at the gift we have from God. We have His Word. The Bible is not just another book on the shelf that you read once and put it away. No, the Bible is a living Word coming straight from the Heart of the Almighty God. In its pages are His truths being poured out on us to bring change, to bring wisdom, to teach us right from wrong.
2 Timothy 3:16-17…
16 “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”
When you read the Bible, it has a way of speaking to your heart in a way that no other book can. I have read through some passages several times with years in between and it brings new meaning and teaches me something I hadn’t thought of before. That’s why Paul says to remain faithful. Faithful to what you might ask? Faithful to the things you have learned from the Scriptures, the very Words of God.
So, either you have been taught the Holy Scriptures from childhood or you are learning from them now, well into your adult years. Either way, you have the great benefit of receiving the wisdom that comes from this wonderful Book. Don’t treat it as something old-fashioned, something only generations past would read. This Book, the Scriptures, the Holy Words of God are living, breathing and if you give them a chance to sink in, they are absolutely life changing. Consider the alternative: You can live in this world that we have confirmed, over and over again to be dark, evil, cold and uncaring without Christ and ignorant to the truth of Scripture. Or you can embrace the love of the Lord and let the Word of God pierce your heart in a new and awesome way!
Look back now at verses 3:10-13…
2 Timothy 3:10-13…
10 “But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra – but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.”
Just like Timothy, we can learn a lot from Paul, all of his experiences show us what living for Christ with boldness and confidence is all about. Yes, it could bring persecution and suffering. But he is very clear that his purpose in life was to be faithful, to be patient, to be loving, even though persecution. Because in that persecution and suffering he found an endurance that could only come from the Lord.
There will always be evil in this world. There will always be evil people whose purpose in life is to deceive. But for us as believers, we can have the very same endurance as Paul did and the same faithfulness as Timothy did.
“In the last days there will be very difficult times…” But we have the Lord to guide us through every trouble. Be faithful! Stay in the Word of God! Take advantage of the instruction manual God gave us to equip us and help us maneuver through the evil we will encounter in this world. Don’t lose hope! God is preparing us for amazing things!
Thank you, Father, for giving us Your Word. Thank you for giving us the wisdom and understanding from the Scriptures inspired by YOU! Help us to always remain faithful, help us to never want to see the world as a place of fulfillment. Instead guide us, teach us, inspire us, prepare us.
Thank You for Your presence in my life, and in the lives of those studying Your Word along with me, today and for always!
~AMEN~