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| Chapter 3 |
| Bible Text | Notes and Thoughts |
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1 ¶ This know also: that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, without self control, fierce, despisers of those who are good, 4 traitors, headstrong, arrogant, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. From such turn away. 6 For of this sort are those who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth--men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. 10 ¶ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 persecutions, afflictions which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. But out of them all, the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all who will live a godly life in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing from whom thou hast learned them, 15 and that from childhood thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly equipped for all good works. |
Paul now gives Timothy a warning of the future, "the last days" began with the birth of Jesus, His ministry, crucifixion and resurrection and will continue until He returns. During this period there will be "times" of change but as the "time" comes to a close they will be come more dangerous to the believer. v2-9 List the mind and attitude of the non believers, 1 Tim 4:1 indicates that these will be demonic controlled, evil appears to be increasing and the people are open to the leading of the demons. Paul warns Timothy and us to v5 "turn away from such," A faithful believer should not get involved with anything listed in these verses. It is important to note v5a "having a form of godliness," they may appear very religious, but they deny God. Paul lists at least 18 different forms of the characteristics that will be shown by these people, "love" is very common, "love self, love pleasure," and the result of this love in pride, desires, unnatural affection and so on, any thing which does not involve loving God. Compare Gen 3:5, 'you will be as gods'; Rom 1:18-27; 1 Cor 6:9-10; Heb 11:25. v8,9 In Exodus Chapters 7-9 we find a record of the contest between Moses and the Egyptian magicians. Jannes and Jambres were traditional names for two of these magicians. These men were able to imitate (copy) most of the acts of Moses. Satan was given power by God before he fell into sin, so Satan is able to imitate many of the acts of God, to act against the Word of God. Today Satan's workers will deny the fact of sin and the need of salvation, "reprobate" means tested and failed. The magicians were eventually exposed and the judgement of God came upon the Egyptians. We must detect and avoid Satan's 'religious' leaders. V10,11 Paul reminds Timothy of the life of a faithful servant of God, "I hid nothing" said Paul, "we have only taught the true doctrine, the Word of God." Today we have many 'preachers' who are pretend Christian, mainly teaching "money seeking, world success, personalities, often cult aimed, with a little bit of the Bible." The life of Paul backed up his message, they "practiced what they preached" but ultimately he was trusting and serving the Lord Jesus who helped Paul finish the work God had given him. Acts 20:24; Phil 1:21. v11,12 Believers must be willing to suffer, Paul was willing to suffer for others and he taught that suffering and godliness would go together. v13-17 Though things will get worse, evil men and deceivers will get worse and worse, but just live by the Word of God and you will win. The Word of God will allow a believer to tell false from truth. Paul reminds Timothy that his teaching started when he was a child, and now you are an adult you need it even more, we never outgrow God's Word. All Scripture comes from God, this was one of the ways that Satan tries to disprove, "Has God indeed said," Gen 3:1 It reveals our sinful nature, it leads us to salvation, John 3:16-18; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:17 Scripture is a profit to a believer, it tells us what is right, doctrine, what is not right, reproof, makes us right, correction , for instruction. If we want to grow in God we need to study His Word. v17 The Word of God will make us fit for the work that God has given us, perfect,equipped. We will please God as we live according to His will and desire. Be prepared for the last days. |
Easy English Translation
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