Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 3 (SOAP verses 1-5)
But understand this, that in “the last days”* there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
*Because we will read and discuss the term “in the last days” a lot in the coming weeks I wanted to define it a bit at the onset. We will learn more as we go but I believe it will be helpful to have some understanding now to help clarify what we are studying.
Acts 2:17; 2 Peter 3:3; James 5:3; and Hebrews 1:2 all make references to “the last days”. According to Bibleref.com, the term “last days’ is not always a reference to a time yet to come but can also refer to one already here – in this case – since the church age began.
BibleRef.com on “last days”, 2 Timothy 3:1
understanding the Passage
Because the passage begins with, “But, understand this…” to truly understand Paul’s meaning we must look back to what was just said. In this case, 2 Timothy 2, where he has just been encouraging Timothy to be a good worker in the faith, an honorable vessel for the Lord, one that God would approve and who correctly explains the word of truth. Paul tells Timothy to live as one who flees youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart so that those who have been caught up in the ways of the devil might be turned to the Truth of God. This leads us to the passage before us today – “But understand this, in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people …”
Paul saw the reality of these people in his day and they still grow worse today. Surely we understand Paul’s warning that the “last days” will be difficult ones. Because we understand it we would be wise to look at the rest of the passage and ask ourselves the following questions:
- Whose teaching am I following? (2 Timothy 2:15-19)
- Am I equipped well, so that I won’t be misled? (Ps. 119:11) (2 Tim. 3:16-17)
- Am I confident and continuing in the Scriptures? (Pro. 4:20-24)
- Am I dedicated, committed to follow) God? (Joshua 24:15) (Ps 37:5) (Luke 9:23-24)
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. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT
Response to the Word
Father – the day is coming and has now come and we see the reality of Paul’s words with our eyes! Help us to to be dedicated and stand firm in godly living. Do not let us be led astray. Do not let us grow weary and lose heart and please keep us alert to Your Spirit who reminds of Your Word and corrects us when we are wrong. Keep us alert not only to Your Word but to our brothers and sisters in Christ who are standing on shaky ground or who have wandered from the faith – that we might encourage and exhort them to stand firm. Move us to pray for those who are evil and those who are weak, that their eyes might be opened and their hearts might believe and be forever changed through salvation in Jesus Christ! – To Your Glory! – Amen
Your Turn
Reflections: I invite you to share your answer in the comment section –
- According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some ways we can live differently than the people described in these verses?
Only through the Scripture will we be able to stand firm –
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