2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3 provides a warning about the difficulties of the "last days," when people will exhibit various forms of corrupt behavior and moral decay. Paul emphasizes the importance of Scripture and steadfastness in faith to Timothy, urging him to continue in what he has learned despite the challenges.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

The opening verses describes the moral and spiritual decay that will be prevalent in the last days, highlighting a list of destructive traits such as selfishness, pride, love of pleasure, disobedience, and lack of self-control. These behaviors reflect a world increasingly distancing itself from God. The phrase "having a form of godliness but denying its power" refers to individuals who outwardly appear religious or moral but lack the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Their religion is superficial, devoid of the genuine connection with Christ that brings true change. This warning urges believers to be vigilant, avoiding the influence of such individuals and instead seeking a faith that is alive, active, and empowered by God's Spirit to produce genuine fruits of righteousness. It challenges Christians to not merely profess godliness but to live in a way that reflects God's transformative power in their lives.

2 Timothy 3:6-9 (NKJV)
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,
7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;
9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

Paul warns about false teachers who exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly those burdened by guilt and led by sinful desires. These deceivers take advantage of others by presenting themselves as spiritual guides while opposing the truth of God’s Word. Paul compares them to Jannes and Jambres, Egyptian magicians who resisted Moses, symbolizing rebellion against God’s authority. Their knowledge is superficial and corrupt, and their opposition to truth reveals their folly. However, Paul assures that their influence will ultimately be exposed and come to nothing. This passage reminds believers to remain grounded in God’s Word, discerning truth from deception, and to be cautious of teachings that appeal to sinful desires rather than calling for repentance and transformation.

2 Timothy 3:10-13 (NKJV)
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Paul contrasts Timothy’s faithful adherence to truth with the worsening condition of evil men and impostors. While Timothy has followed Paul's teachings, character, and endurance through persecution, Paul emphasizes that those who oppose the truth will not only deceive others but are themselves deceived. Their rejection of God’s truth blinds them further, trapping them in their own falsehoods and delusions. Paul warns that this cycle of deception will intensify, but he assures that those who live godly lives in Christ Jesus, though they face persecution, can rely on God’s sustaining power. This passage underscores the danger of rejecting God’s truth, as it not only misleads others but deepens self-deception, making repentance and spiritual clarity increasingly difficult.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 (NKJV)
14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

In the concluding verses, Paul urges Timothy to remain steadfast in what he has learned, highlighting the value of the Scriptures he has known from childhood. These Scriptures—referring to the Old Testament writings—are described as being able to make one "wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus." Paul emphasizes that all Scripture is inspired by God, making it profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This equips believers for every good work, providing them with a solid foundation for faith and godly living. While Paul primarily references the Old Testament, the principles extend to the New Testament, which is equally inspired by God. The New Testament builds on and fulfills the Old Testament, providing further revelation of Christ and His teachings. Together, both testaments form a complete and unified guide for salvation and spiritual growth, equipping believers to live according to God’s will.