Perilous Times

 

  In the Second Epistle to Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to not have a "spirit of timidity" and to "not be ashamed to testify about our Lord." (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Paul also gives Timothy advice about combating "false teachings" with reference to the teachings of the past, and to "patience under persecution" (2 Timothy 1:6–15). Paul ordained Timothy and encouraged him to use the gift God has given him. Timothy was like a son to Paul, and Timothy looked up to Paul as a father. "Paul really liked this young man." He gave Timothy all the instruction needed to encourage followers about the faith. Now, lets take a look at what Paul wanted Timothy to pass down and warn true believers in the last days about the "Perilous Times" we are facing today.

 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1). It will be very difficult in the end times; we are entering into the great apostasy, as we are living in the pre-tribulation now. "Things are just getting started, its only going to get worse."

 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. (2 Timothy 3:2). Men and women will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents as children, and ungrateful for what they have. They will consider nothing sacred. (Look around and see how are youth are growing up and the values they are being raised up on). "We need to do better as parents, and take more responsibility for our children."

 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. (2 Timothy 3:3). People are becoming unloving and unforgiving; they slander others and have no self-control. They are becoming more cruel and seem to hate what is good. "If its true and good no one wants it; if its disgusting and deplorable they seem to love it."

 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. (2 Timothy 3:4). Friends betray their friends, become puffed up with pride, people are becoming reckless and love pleasure rather than God. "They don't care what God thinks as long as everyone else accepts their immoral and selfish ways of living."

 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5). Your priests and pastors act holy, or claim to be a preacher of God, but reject the power that could make them Godly. "Never teaching the truth of the Word, but cling to traditions of men."

 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. (2 Timothy 3:6). Church leaders work their way right into the homes and prey on weak minded women, leading them with silly ideas and traditions. "Wake up ladies; priests and pastors love to prey on women because they are their biggest financial supporters."

 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 3:7). Always following lies and false teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth. "Do not be deceived."

 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (2 Timothy 3:8). These kind of teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. "They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith."

 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was. (2 Timothy 3:9). But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres. "All these false teachers will be put in their place when Christ returns."

 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience. (2 Timothy 3:10). Paul is saying; you know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. "Paul laid it all out on the line in his letter to Timothy."

 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. (2 Timothy 3:11). Paul is preparing Timothy; you know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, but the Lord rescued me from all of it. God didn't desert Paul during his suffering, "He rescued him." (God will never give you anything that you cannot handle when you are working for him). "Timothy will have his own suffering to endure, just as all true believers will."

 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:2). Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. You will suffer a little for the bigger picture in the end, but God will see you through it.

 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13). However, evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. "They tell so many lies, that they also start to believe them."

 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. (2 Timothy 3:14). Paul telling Timothy, remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. Paul was an excellent scholar and teacher of the word and Timothy knew it. "If you have a good teacher of truth, stick with them."

 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15). Timothy was chosen from the beginning. He has been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and the truth gave him the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16). All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true. The truth will make us realize what is wrong in our lives. "It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right."

 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:17). God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. "Be ready and able to do our Heavenly Fathers work."

Yes, Paul loved Timothy, gave him sound advice, and a look into the perilous times of the later days. He is giving us the same warning, and it applies to us today as believers to open up the truth to all who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Keep The Faith,
Barton