2 Timothy 3

Bible Study with Pastor Terry Gray


2 Timothy 3:1-9


Here, Paul describes how people are in the last days and told us to "have nothing to do with them" (2 Timothy 3:5).


In the last days, there will be Godless, depraved people doing Godless, depraved things. This is what happens when we push God out. If we think Christians are in the minority right now, it would be even more so in the last days.


In the last days, there will be...




Lovers


- Of themselves: self-centered, living as if the world revolves around themselves


- Of money: people will idolize money; money will be the only thing people pursue. 1 Timothy 6: the love of money is the root of evil


- Of pleasure rather than of God: people will be obsessed with whatever makes them feel good, such as having perverted sex and abusing the use drugs. This is not saying if we love God we can't have pleasure! God isn't a killjoy! With God, we find the ultimate pleasure (Psalms 16:11). Paul is telling us not to lose sight of our first love, God, and idolize ourselves, money, or pleasure! We are to live with our eyes on God first, then others, then ourselves!




4 "Un's"


- Ungrateful: those who are always envious of other people, who think they are never blessed (goes right back to being self-centered)


- Unholy: those who live without regard to God or other people; disdain not only for God but for other authoritative establishments in society as well


- Unloving: in Greek, this means "without natural affection"; it speaks of the lack of family love. In the last days, people would not have love for family. We're in times where there is a growing disregard for family relationships, family love, and family obligations. In the last days, Biblical family unit would be destroyed. The most natural display of love is to care and protect our offspring and elders. But, that is not what we see even today. Natural, normal family love will be missing more so in the last days. Kids won't have any regard for their parents, and parents won't have any care for their children.


- Unforgiving: also, irreconcilable; those who refuse to reconcile with others, who would choose to be at war with others rather than come to peace with them




Others
- Boastful, proud, conceited people -- Pride is the sin of Satan!
- Brutal, abusive people
- Slanderers
- Treacherous people
- blasphemers Pride is the sin of Satan!




People in the last days will "have a form of godliness but deny its power" (2 Timothy 3:5), "always learning but never be able to acknowledge the truth" (2 Timothy 3:7). This description resembles the Pharisees of the past. They study the Bible, but they deny the power of God; they are always learning this and that about God's Word, but they could never digest the material and accept the Truth. They interpret the Bible to their own will as opposed to being guided by the Holy spirit.



True Christians will be transformed by Jesus. If we are truly studying the Word of God, we will be transformed by the Word of God. If we are one type of person in Church and another type outside of Church, our heart has not been truly transformed by God. When we love God and understand His love for us, it is simply impossible to continue in our sins without rebuking ourselves and pushing ourselves to be better followers of God's Way. It is because of this love that we are transformed and show our grasp of the knowledge of God's Word.




In the last days, Christians will be opposed by ungodly people, as Moses was opposed by Jannes and Jambres (2 Timothy 3:8). Jannes and Jambres were able to perform the same "miracles" that Moses did, but their "magical powers" were limited. They certainly couldn't part the Red Sea.


This passage tells us that 1) Satan also has powers. His followers will also be able to perform "miracles". I put miracles in quotation marks because these miracles will be to deceive people as opposed to save and protect them; 2) no matter how great Satan's powers are, God's power is GREATER.


In the last days, Satan will increase his deceptive tactics to pull people away from God. How can we be certain we're still following God's Word and stand strong? 1) Put on the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18); 2) Correctly divide the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15) and DISCERN!




2 Timothy 3:10-17


How do Christians thrive in the last days?


Learn from Paul.


We should live for Christ and make Christ known. When we face difficulties, such as getting fired, we can view them in perspective. For example, instead of saying, "Darn, I got fired," we should pray to God for guidance. Is this God leading us to somewhere else, where we can better serve God's people? Is this God leading us somewhere so that we can learn about our weaknesses?


We should be a man of...
Faith
Long suffering
Love
Perseverance



"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The scripture is our guide for doctrine (what is right), for reproof (what is not right), for correction (how to get right), and for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right)!