2 Timothy 3
Godlessness in the Last Days
1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
Paul's Charge to Timothy
10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
3 comments:
2 Tim 3
Couple things.
First, similar warnings as before: to watch out for those who are selfish.
What is more striking is this statement
v12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted
There you go, does not say most or almost everyone, but EVERYONE. I assume it does not mean all the time, but it will happen b/c of what we believe.
Another verse we memorized in Topgun was
v16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
Pretty amazing description of the bible and how we should use it right?
Hope everyone get started off to a good week.
Father, lift up these men. Watch over LT as he travels and give him the wisdom he needs on his trip. Watch over crb and his impending arrival, and er's family as well. Please watch over timcd and sf as they are battling some illnesses. Heal them quickly Father. Help us all stay consistent in our studies and learn to rely more and more on you.
In Christ,
cas
2 Tim 3:
cas, you got it covered, v16 should be our motto.
The first section certainly convinces me we could be in the endtime, as it certainly describes much of our culture.
I agree v12 is certainly poignant, and fitting with a sermon yesterday at church, definitely worth the read (http://www.desiringgod.org/library/fresh_words/2006/020806.html)
Father, grant us the strength and motivation to accomplish those tasks we need to this week, at work and at home. Guide us to follow Your word and to continue to grow with You. I echo cas's prayers for these men and their families. Grant my wife and I the patience you desire (and the sleep we need beforehand). We ask all these things in Jesus' name,
Amen
crb
2 Tim. 3:
cas, I noticed the same reality about persecution but also note that it is not just for what we believe. It is specifically rooted in more than belief (if we accept the more modern notion of "belief" = agreeing with an idea or truth statement)...it goes to the DESIRE of our life and HOW we live.
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
We have got to realize that for the early church there was no real accepted division between their theology and their lifestyle. Whenever there was one, Paul faithfully rebuked it. Today we have the vast majority who claim "Christ" living as if they don't know Him at all and feeling really fine and accepted within our churches. I don't want to sound too harsh here or even hypocritical, but it is a real problem and it seems that we quickly denounce some sins but not others. Homosexuality or abortion is easily pounced on while materialism and pride go unaddressed in most American churches. Sorry for the mini-rant, guys.
I am always challenged by Paul's combination of speaking truth and living truth. Verse 10You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. He was able to point not only to his teaching, but so far beyond that alone. Men, I really want to be able to do the same. I need your prayers each day for this. In my own strength, there is no ability, but in HIS strength (Philippians 4:13) I am able to walk in the NEW LIFE of Christ.
Father God, praise you for your love and grace. Thank you for transforming the life of Paul so we could see a new way of living in this world. Give us courage, strength, and boldness for You. Forgive us when we walk alone in this world, when we could be walking with You.
In Christ's name,
er
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