2 Timothy 3 - 4.14.26

SCRIPTURE:  2 Timothy 3:1-5

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with such people.”

OBSERVATION:  Prophetically, Paul’s words to Timothy describe most cultures of the world over the past 2,000-year period, but the closer we get to the second coming of Jesus, godlessness will dramatically increase all over the world, as we are witnessing now!

Paul warned Timothy of the opposition that he and other believers would face in the last days.  He told Timothy to be prepared for these unfaithful people by remembering his example, and finding strength and power in the Word of God.

There is no doubt that we are living in the last days, and difficult times are up ahead, but thanks be to God that He has equipped His Church with everything we need to remain strong in our faith.  We have God’s active, powerful, living presence, His Word to guide us, and His Spirit to support us.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, SO THAT the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  ( v16). 
We should not study God’s Word simply to gain more knowledge or to prepare to win arguments, but to study and apply it in order to know how to do God’s work in the world. 

APPLICATION:  Because of people like Paul and Timothy, and for their devoted commitment to preach the gospel, the Christian faith has spread to us today.  Now it is our responsibility as genuine, devoted Christ-followers to be ready, prayed up and prepared to proclaim the Good News to the lost. As people become more and more corrupt in their thinking, attitudes and actions, we must become more and more firm in our faith as we stand on God’s Word of truth and wisdom.

PRAYER:  Lord, these are difficult times we are living in, but I thank You that You are with us, and that You have given us everything we need to remain strong in our faith as we follow You. I pray You will help us to align our beliefs and actions with Your plan as we partner with You to add more and more people into Your family while there is still time. Amen

- Robin Orefice