Day 16
2 Timothy 3:1-5: (ESV): But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
The first five verses of Chapter 3 of 2nd Timothy are warning to Christians. They were a warning to Christians in the 1st century and they are warning to Christians in the 21st Century.
The first idea that jumps out from theses verses is in the last days. A question, I have been asked a lot during COVID-19 is this: are we living in the last days before Christ’s Second Coming? Perhaps, but the conditions enumerated in the list of 19 items in theses verses have existed since Christ ascended. The warning here is that they will become more intensive and extensive as the end approaches.
The second idea is there will come times of difficulty. There have been numerous difficult times for the Church since Paul wrote these words. The main concern is that during difficult times men’s ideas are substituted for God’s truth and therefore for God Himself. We are to avoid such people and reject the false doctrines they teach and the false standards they live by.
Some churches have begun to preach “Social Justice” over the Gospel. Others have embraced Same-sex marriage. And, others remain silent as millions of babies are aborted each year for convenience sake. All these ideas are not Biblical and must be rejected by Christians.
Let’s Pray:
Heavenly, Father:
We thank you for warnings we find in your in Word. The biggest warning of all is about consequence of rejecting Jesus. Lord, we thank you for sending Your Son to be our atonement.
We do live in a difficult time and only You know if these are indeed the last days. But, help us to live through them as a shining light. That those who don’t have a relationship with You may begin one by accepting Christ as their Savior.
We pray all these things in Jesus name, Amen.
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