But know this: that in the last days, grievous times will come. 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. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 WEB
Most biblical scholars consider Paul’s Second Epistle to Timothy to be the last letter he wrote before his death. At the time, he was enduring his second imprisonment in Rome. Divided into four chapters, this short letter features encouragement and descriptions of proper character in chapters one and two. Chapter three describes the apostasy of the last days as well as ways to overcome those who renounce the truth of Christianity. Chapter four places emphasis on the importance of preaching the word of God.
Paul’s warning to Timothy concerning the last days is stark. In this warning, Paul describes men in the last days as lovers of self and lovers of pleasure. The list of ungodly traits Paul uses to describe men in the last days details the qualities of corrupted men who pretend to know the will of God. In the last days, these apostate individuals oppose the true faith while teaching others to follow their sinful nature. These individuals share easily identifiable characteristics defined by the list of ungodly traits Paul shares with Timothy.
A Form of Godliness
Paul teaches that these men have a form of godliness but deny its power. That is to say that arrogance and disobedience prevent these men and women from experiencing the transformative power of repentance and submission to God. The love of pleasure, self, and wealth, among other things, rule over these individuals who pretend to know and serve God. They embrace sin rather than serve God. Although the gospel teaches repentance and forgiveness, these apostate men and women reject this doctrine in favor of selfish desires and pleasure.
Biblically, the last days are the days from the beginning of the Chrstian church until the return of Christ. In these times, we will encounter apostate ministers and parishioners who embrace sin rather than repent and turn to God. Paul teaches Timothy to turn away from these individuals. Further, Paul encourages Timothy to remain grounded in the truth of scripture and the gospel message of Jesus Christ.
Scripture Is God Breathed
In keeping with the faith, Paul describes how to counter and overcome the false teaching of apostate ministers and practitioners. He writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. WEB”
Although the last days are certain to bring difficult times for believers, Paul’s message is clear. He instructs his fellow minister Timothy to stay true to the faith. Paul encourages his young friend to preach the truth from scripture, maintaining sound doctrine that is biblically based. Although many will turn from the faith seeking to satisfy their own lusts, as Christ says in Matthew 24:13, “he who did endure to the end, he shall be saved. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for convicting me of my sin. Thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Give me wisdom and strength to stay grounded in your holy word. Lead me away from temptation and sin. Guide me to do your will and to serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Tempted by Evil
