things were already happening in Ephesus.
He begins that list stating that in those times people will ...
love only themselves love their money be boastful and proud scoff at God disobey their parents be ungrateful consider nothing sacred be unloving be unforgiving slander others have no self-control be cruel hate what is good betray their friends be reckless be full of pride love pleasure rather than God act religious but reject that which can make them godly.
Quite a list and I think there is nothing on that list that we don't see today.
Paul then warns Timothy to stay away from such people although he already instructed Timothy to be kind to all people. We can see that Paul's instruction to Timothy was to be kind to all but not associate with those described above. He goes on to say that the kind of people he just described are the same kind who work their way into peoples homes and take control over those who are vulnerable, particularly some women who had uncontrollable desires and felt guilt because of them. He warns that such persons in that list have depraved minds and false faith.
He compares these false teacher who pray on others to Jannes and Jambres. It is not documented but it is Jewish tradition these two men were, or were part of those magicians who took on Moses when he went before Pharaoh. You can find this encounter in Exodus 7:11 and 9:11. Paul was saying that such persons characterized by the list above will be found out and they would lose and their foolishness will be recognized just like Pharaoh's magicians, Jannes and Jambres.
Paul speaks of his own life and of his life's purpose and how he has lived a life of faith, patience, love and endurance. Paul recounts the places he was persecuted and had suffered. He then gives credit for his rescue from such things to the Lord. Paul then tells Timothy that everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted. All such people can expect bad treatment in these last days and Timothy could expect to find things getting even worse. There will be more and more impostors, evil people, and those who deceive.
Paul reminds Timothy of being taught the truth since he was young and that he knows the truth. He encourages him to remain truthful to what he knows so well - the truth, for such truth gave him the wisdom to trust Christ and through Him he has received salvation.
He reminds Timothy of a truth that is important for us to remember today. (verse 16)
" All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work."
Paul ends chapter 3 with that great description of Scripture and why it is there for us. We can see so many of these things pointed out in this chapter in our world today. We can easily see how it applies so well to our lives and our world. I wonder if many stay away from studying the Scriptures because they don't want to know right from wrong or because they don't want to be alerted to any poor behavior. Don't you think this is a very revealing and eye opening chapter? By the Scriptures we can learn what is right and wrong but also we can learn to identify those who would lead us astray. Identifying those persons will help us stay true to our beliefs. While we can be kind to all people, we certainly are not to allow them to drag us of course.
Next week will close the 30 days on 2 Timothy and will end our look at both books of Timothy. Great job, keep reading, keep challenging yourself, keep growing. Perhaps we can see that by each of us studying and learning what is in this awesome book, we are not only making our life better but are making the world a little better place. These truths are intended for such things. God bless you all.