But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13 WEB
In the third chapter of Paul’s second pastoral epistle to Timothy, Paul describes elements of the last days. He wrote in 2 Timothy 3:2-5, “For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good, traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding a form of godliness, but having denied its power. Turn away from these, also. WEB”
In particular, Paul’s words concerning the evil men present at the end of the age describe false teachers who live and teach outside of the will of God. Paul encourages Timothy to have nothing to do with these evil men who deceive themselves and others. He compares them to Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses with their dark art only to be overcome by the power of God.
Gather or Scatter
Paul contrasts the negative qualities of evil men with the example he set for Timothy. In the repentant Paul, Timothy witnessed the teaching, conduct, and steadfast endurance of his mentor. Reminding Timothy of the many persecutions he suffered, Paul acknowledged the Lord for rescuing him from each one. Further, as Christians are to expect persecution in a corrupt and fallen world, Paul encourages Timothy to endure as he did, holding firmly to the faith they both profess.
We are in a spiritual war. In service of the Lord, we gather and support the Lord’s followers obediently sharing and following God’s holy word. In opposition, evil men scatter, confuse, and destroy the lives of others. Jesus said in Matthew 12:30, “He who is not with me is against me, and he who doesn’t gather with me, scatters. WEB” Persecution for Christians is expected. Imposters, false teachers, will arise and have arisen. Although they present themselves as godly, they deny the transformative power of Christ by continuing to practice sinful lifestyles.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth recorded in your holy word. Thank you for the sincere men and women of faith who serve the kingdom of heaven while rejecting evil and its influences. Guide me by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help me to live and love like Christ. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: After Their Kind
