2 Timothy 3 - 8.15.25

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-5

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

Observation

The Apostle Paul is giving a warning to Timothy and to us about what it is going to be like in the last days. Paul is trying to prepare us for what is to come. There will be a moral and spiritual decline. People will be self-centered and materialistic. The priority of many will shift from loving God and others to loving themselves and their desires. They will not have respect for others. Paul gives us a checklist that reflects a deep-rooted problem in people’s hearts and society. When we put ourselves and our desires ahead of our love for God and others, we create a world where kindness and compassion can become rare.

Application

I don’t know about you, but I firmly believe we are living in the days of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and this is not a good thing. This is a prophetic passage of scripture and as true believers we need to pay attention to Spiritual Drift and keep focused on the things that matter most.

We must pay the most attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Hebrews 2:1)

This passage is describing a world where the vast majority of people, including many who identify as Christians, that live a life that is self-focused and evil. They are only concerned about themselves and what they can get from you. They lack affection for their parents and family members. They will slander others to get what they want and would never give a thought to forgive anyone for the smallest offense. They are ungrateful and unkind.

,

A lot of these people will have an air about them that they are Godly, Good People and they live by “Christian Values”, but they are lacking the Holy Fear of the Lord. They look good from the outside; they behave appropriately but they do not put their faith in Jesus. They do not have a relationship with God and they are not obedient to His word. God does not look at the outer man, He looks at the condition of our hearts.

Paul’s message should be a wake-up call to all of us that we need to stay focused and present in our lives. We don’t need to hide from the world but we need to be a bright light in the darkness. We need to surround ourselves with loving, uplifting people who put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

I wrote this last month, but I am going to write it again…Daily Practices!

Read your Bible daily, let it penetrate your heart. Memorize scripture so you can pull it up anytime you need it. Spend time in the presence of God. Cherish and protect the Word of God and OBEY His Commands, so you will live a long and fruitful life. It’s Truth, it’s Real…Live it!

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus,

Living in these perilous times can be overwhelming, but we trust in You. We have faith that you are in control of all things, so we rest in You. Help us to be obedient to your Word and live our lives awake and ready for your return. Change our hearts Oh God, so we are ready to do Your will. We love and adore You!

- Michelle Craig