Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
The emphasis in this chapter is on knowledge and responsibility. Paul informed Timothy about the character of the last days, and then instructed him on how to respond. Action must be based on knowledge. Too many Christians are like the pilot who informed his passengers, “We are lost, but we’re making very good time.”
“These last days” began with the ministry of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2) and will continue until He returns. They are called the “last days” because in them God is completing His purposes for His people. Because our Lord has delayed His return, some people scoff at the promise of His coming (2 Peter 3:3-9); but He will come as He promised.
Within this period of “last days” there will be “times” (seasons) of different kinds; but as the “times” draw to a close, they will become more and more “perilous.” This word means “dangerous, hard to deal with, savage.” This is the same Greek word that is used to describe the two violent demoniacs of Gadara (see Matthew 8:28). This suggests that the violence of the last times will be energized by demonic forces (1 Timothy 4:1).
There is no doubt that these characteristics started to appear in Paul’s day, and now they have increased in intensity and even more blatantly. It is not simply that we have more people in the world, or better news coverage. It appears that evil is deeper and of greater intensity, and that it is being accepted and promoted by society in a bolder way. It is not that we have small pockets of rebellion here and there. All of society seems to be in ferment and rebellion. We are indeed in “terrible times” (2 Timothy 3:1, NIV).
Paul gave Timothy three instructions to obey in order that his ministry might be effective during these perilous times in which we are most definitely living.
Turn Away from the False
Please read 2 Timothy 3:1-9 for background to this section.
“From such people turn away.” A faithful believer should have nothing to do with the people Paul described in this section. It is important to note that these people operate under the guise of religion: “Having a form of godliness but denying its power.” They are “religious” but rebellious! Paul discussed three facts about these people.
Their characteristics (verses 2-5). At least eighteen different characteristics are listed here, and Paul probably could have listed more. There is an emphasis on love: “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart. God commands us to love Him supremely, and our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40); but if we love ourselves supremely, we will not love God or our neighbors.
In this universe there is God, and there are people and things. We should worship God, love people, and use things. But if we start worshiping ourselves, we will ignore God and start loving things and using people. This is the formula for a miserable life; yet it characterizes many people today. The worldwide craving for things is just one evidence that people’s hearts have turned away from God.
Of course, if someone loves and worships himself, the result will be pride. “You will be like God” was Satan’s offer to Eve (Genesis 3:5), and the result was that people “exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Man became his own god! The creature is now the creator! “Boasters, proud, blasphemers [given to contemptuous and bitter words].”
“Disobedient to parents” suggests that this apostasy reaches into the family. Children are “unthankful” and do not appreciate what their parents have done for them. They are “unholy” in their attitude toward their parents. “Honor your father and mother” (see Ephesians 6:2; Exodus 20:12) is not widely taught or respected.
The phrase “unloving [without natural affection]” is the translation of one word that describes “family love.” The family is under attack these days, and, as go its families, so goes the nation.
To Be Continued
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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