A Caution For The Faithful Ones

2 Timothy 3:1–17 (NASB 2020)

1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness although they have denied its power; avoid such people as these. 6 For among them are those who slip into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, worthless in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not make further progress; for their foolishness will be obvious to all, just as was that also of Jannes and Jambres. 10 Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! 12 Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.

Perilous Times vs 1

The day are evil and the time is now.

Perilous People vs. 2a

A People who have accepted the perspective of the worlds systems

1 John 2:16 NASB 2020

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

Perilous Behavior vs 2b-4

The display of their behavior will be reprobate, rebellious and lawless people.

The display will be so infectious that Paul was making a warning that it is visible within the church

Perilous Beliefs/ Religious Seeking vs 5-7

The Hold a form (type of) belief/religion of godliness. Merging of the profane with the righteous.

Revelation 3:15–21 “15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne.”

Paul warns to avoid such people.

The increase of false religion proselytizing wayward women to infiltrate the church

The increase of knowledge but has no power of Spiritual discernment

Perilous Wolves vs 8-9

God gives a compassionate plea to the wicked, showing His intent.

Ezekiel 33:11 “11 Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure at all in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then should you die, house of Israel?’”

Paul give warning of their wickedness:

Resist the truth

Men of Corrupt minds

Reprobate concerning the faith

Divine restraints from God

Persecution Of Truth vs 10-11

But You Have fully known:

My doctrine (Truth)

Lifestyle (Truth)

Purpose

Faith

Longsuffering

Charity

Patience

Persecutions

Afflictions

Deliverance by the Lord

Persecutions In Christ vs 12-13

If you are in Christ you will suffer persecutions

The wicked will suffer worse deceiving and being deceived

Perseverance On Display vs 14-16

But Continue: (Hold Fast)

In what you’ve learned, and assured of

Know of who you learn

Know the purpose of Scripture unto salvation through faith

Know the Person of Scripture (Inspired by God)

Know the Value of Scripture (doctrine, reproof, instruction in righteousness)

Perseverance Perfected vs 17

That we may be

Mature

Equipped unto all good works