2 Timothy 3
In this chapter, Paul warns Timothy about the perilous times ahead, marked by moral decay and widespread rejection of godliness. He contrasts the behavior of false teachers with the steadfastness that Timothy must uphold. Paul also encourages Timothy to continue in the faith and remain grounded in the Holy Scriptures, which are inspired by God and essential for guiding believers in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:1 (NKJV)
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:"
Paul begins by telling Timothy to expect difficult times ahead, especially in the “last days,” which refers to the period leading up to Christ’s return. These perilous times are characterized by a moral decline and increasing opposition to truth. Paul is preparing Timothy for the spiritual challenges that the church and believers will face, making it clear that these trials are inevitable as part of the world’s spiritual condition.
2 Timothy 3:2-3 (NKJV)
"For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,"
Paul describes the character of people during these perilous times. Selfishness, greed, and pride take precedence, leading to a rejection of godly principles. People will care more about themselves and their wealth, with a growing disregard for others and for God's law. The breakdown of family structures, lack of gratitude, and an unholy attitude will dominate, leading to a world devoid of love, filled with slander and brutality. This moral decline reflects a deep spiritual crisis.
2 Timothy 3:4 (NKJV)
"traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,"
People will betray one another, be obstinate and arrogant, pursuing pleasure rather than God. Paul highlights the contrast between those who seek earthly delights and those who pursue divine values. The love of pleasure often draws individuals away from devotion to God, leading them into a life of indulgence and rebellion. Timothy is warned that many will turn from their faith, consumed by self-interest and immediate gratification.
2 Timothy 3:5 (NKJV)
"having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
These individuals may appear religious on the outside, practicing the rituals and traditions of godliness, but their lives lack the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. They deny the true power of godliness by refusing to submit fully to God’s authority. Paul advises Timothy to avoid such people, as their influence can lead others astray. External religious practices without genuine faith are empty and deceptive.
2 Timothy 3:6-7 (NKJV)
"For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
Paul points out that false teachers prey on the vulnerable, particularly women who are burdened by guilt and susceptible to manipulation. These individuals may constantly seek knowledge but lack true understanding of God’s truth. Despite their pursuit of spiritual insights, they remain trapped by sin and deception. This underscores the danger of empty religious curiosity without genuine repentance or transformation through the Word of God.
2 Timothy 3:8 (NKJV)
"Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;"
Jannes and Jambres, though not mentioned by name in the Old Testament, are traditionally thought to be Pharaoh’s magicians who opposed Moses. Paul compares these false teachers to them, noting that they resist the truth with corrupt minds. Just as those magicians were eventually exposed, so will these false teachers be revealed as frauds. Their rejection of true faith places them outside of God’s approval and judgment will eventually come.
2 Timothy 3:9 (NKJV)
"But they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was."
Paul assures Timothy that the success of these false teachers will only be temporary. Eventually, their foolishness will be revealed, just as Jannes and Jambres’ deception was exposed. While they may appear to prosper for a time, their opposition to God’s truth will ultimately lead to failure and shame. God’s truth prevails, and those who resist it will not stand in the end.
2 Timothy 3:10-11 (NKJV)
"But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me."
Paul contrasts his own life and teaching with that of the false teachers. Timothy has been a faithful disciple, observing Paul’s doctrine and witnessing his steadfastness through persecution and suffering. Paul highlights his perseverance and the Lord’s deliverance in times of trial. This serves as both encouragement and a reminder that while hardships come, God’s faithfulness remains. Timothy is called to continue following Paul’s example in both teaching and suffering.
2 Timothy 3:12 (NKJV)
"Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
Paul makes it clear that persecution is inevitable for those who desire to live a godly life. Following Christ means standing in opposition to the world’s values, which brings hostility. This is not just a possibility but a certainty for faithful believers. Paul prepares Timothy for this reality, encouraging him to remain steadfast in his commitment to Christ, despite the challenges ahead.
2 Timothy 3:13 (NKJV)
"But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."
The moral decay that Paul speaks of will continue to worsen. False teachers and evildoers will persist in their deception, leading others astray while being deceived themselves. The world will increasingly embrace lies and reject the truth of the gospel. Timothy is warned that this downward spiral will continue, but he must remain rooted in the truth, despite the growing darkness around him.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NKJV)
"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
Paul urges Timothy to hold fast to the teachings he has received, especially the Holy Scriptures, which he has known since childhood. The Scriptures are God’s means of imparting wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ. Paul highlights the importance of Scripture as a firm foundation in the face of falsehood and deception. Timothy’s upbringing in the Word gives him a solid basis to stand against the corruption around him.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV)
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
Paul concludes by affirming the divine origin of Scripture. It is God-breathed and essential for teaching sound doctrine, correcting errors, and guiding believers in righteous living. The Scriptures are a complete and sufficient resource for every aspect of spiritual growth and equipping believers for godly service. Through Scripture, the “man of God” is thoroughly prepared for every good work, making it vital for Timothy to remain anchored in its truth.