2 Timothy 3

Paul warns Timothy of perilous times in the last days, characterized by men who are self-centered, immoral, and outwardly religious but inwardly corrupt. He advises Timothy to turn away from such deceivers, whose folly will eventually be exposed. Paul then reminds Timothy of his own steadfast example through persecutions and exhorts him to continue in the truth he has learned, emphasizing the divine inspiration and practical profitability of the Holy Scriptures for wisdom and good works.

Paul foretells the coming of perilous times in the last days, marked by a pervasive moral decay where men will be lovers of self, money, and pleasure rather than God. These individuals will exhibit a form of godliness but deny its transformative power, actively deceiving others, particularly vulnerable women, and resisting the truth. Paul instructs Timothy to disassociate from such people, assuring him that their destructive influence will be limited and their folly revealed. In contrast, Paul reminds Timothy of his own consistent doctrine, patient endurance through severe persecutions, and God's deliverance. He warns that all who live godly lives will face similar trials. Paul then strongly encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in the sound teachings he has received, highlighting the crucial role of the Holy Scriptures, known to Timothy from childhood, which are divinely inspired and essential for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, equipping the man of God for every good work.

Paul begins with a solemn warning to Timothy, declaring that the "last days" will be characterized by "perilous times." He elaborates on the moral depravity that will define humanity, listing numerous vices such as self-love, covetousness, pride, blasphemy, disobedience to parents, and a lack of natural affection. These individuals will present a superficial "form of godliness" while rejecting its true power, and Timothy is instructed to turn away from them. Paul describes these deceivers as those who subtly infiltrate homes, leading astray "silly women" who are burdened by sins and swayed by various lusts, perpetually seeking knowledge but never attaining the truth. He likens their resistance to the truth to Jannes and Jambres opposing Moses, identifying them as men of corrupt minds and reprobate concerning the faith. However, Paul reassures Timothy that their progress will be limited, and their foolishness will ultimately be made manifest. Transitioning to a personal exhortation, Paul reminds Timothy that he has intimately known Paul's doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, and patience. He recalls the severe persecutions and afflictions he endured in places like Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra, emphasizing that the Lord delivered him from them all. Paul then extends this reality, stating that all who genuinely desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will also experience persecution. He warns that evil men and seducers will continue to worsen, both deceiving others and being deceived themselves. Therefore, Paul urges Timothy to remain steadfast in the truths he has learned and been assured of, recalling the trustworthy source of his instruction. Crucially, Paul underscores the value of the Holy Scriptures, which Timothy has known since childhood, affirming their power to impart wisdom leading to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. He concludes with the foundational declaration that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God," and is supremely profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, ultimately equipping the man of God to be perfect and thoroughly furnished for all good works.