2 Timothy 3 -- What To Do Before It Ends

“Paul informed Timothy about the character of the last days and they instructed him how to respond … These last days began with the ministry of Jesus Christ and will continue until He returns.”

He told Timothy to turn away from the false and he listed 18 characteristics to watch out for.  “There is an emphasis on love:  “lovers of their own selves, of money, of pleasure … The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart … In this universe there is God, and there are people and things.  We should worship God, love people, and use things.  But if we start worshipping ourselves, we will ignore God and start loving things and using people.  This is a formula for a miserable life.”

Paul encouraged Timothy to “follow those who are true … whose lives are open for all to see … who teach true doctrine … who practice what they preach … whose purpose is to glorify God … who are willing to suffer.”

He also told him to continue in God’s Word, for “the only way a believer will be able to tell the true from the false is by knowing the Word of God.”  He made sure that Timothy understood that “they are Holy Scriptures that lead to salvation,”, that “they are true and dependable”, and that “they are profitable and equip us for service.”

Paul had been given a glimpse of what the future would be like, and that includes what we’re living through today.  “The times are not getting better but we Christians can become better people, even in bad times.  We must separate ourselves from that which is false, devote ourselves to that which is true, and continue in our study of the Word of God.  Then God can equip us for ministry in these difficult days,” my commentary concluded.

Father, I’ve sure seen how these days are getting more difficult.  I’ve watched as even our small town is changing for the worse due to ungodliness and love of pleasure.  Help us to see what is needed to get us all back to You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford