KNOWLEDGE AND RESPONSIBILITY

The emphasis in this chapter is on knowledge and responsibility. Paul informed Timothy about the character of the last days, and then instructed him how to respond. Action must be based on knowledge.

These last days began with ministry of Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1–2), and will continue until He returns. Because our Lord has delayed His return, some people scoff at the promise of His coming (2 Pet. 3:3), but He will come as He promised.

Within this period of “last days” there will be times and seasons of different kinds, but as the times draw to a close, they will become perilous (Dangerous, hard to deal with, savage.).

There is no doubt that these characteristics started to appear in Paul’s day, and now they have increased in intensity.

Paul gave Timothy three instructions to obey in order that his ministry might be effective during perilous times.

1. Turn Away From The False – 2 Tim. 3:1–9

A faithful believer should have nothing to do with the people Paul described in this section. It is important to note that these people operate under the guise of religion (2 Tim. 3:5). They are religious but rebellious.

Paul discussed three facts about these people.

Their Characteristics – Vs. 2–5

At least eighteen different characteristics are listed here. There is an emphasis on love: lovers of their own selves; lovers of money (covetous). Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

The heart of every problem is a problem in the heart.

God commands us to love Him supremely, and our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34–40), but if we love ourselves supremely, we will not love God or our neighbors.

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 the formula for a miserable life, yet it characterizes many people today.

The worldwide craving for things is just one evidence that people’s hearts have turned away from God.

If someone loves and worships himself, the result will be pride (Gen. 3:5). People changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the creator (Rom. 1:25).

Man became his own god! The creature is now the creator!

Boasters, proud (arrogant), blasphemers, disobedient to parents.

Children are unthankful and do not appreciate what their parents have done for them. They are unholy in their attitude toward their parents.

In place of the natural love that God has put into men and women and families, today, we have a good deal of natural love that God has condemned (Rom. 1:18–27; 1 Cor. 6:9–10).

It is confusion, and God will judge it (Rom. 1:28–32).

Trucebreakers (2 Tim. 3:3) describes people who will not try to agree. They are unyielding and irreconcilable and must have their own way.

In order to defend their position, they become slanderers and try to tear down the reputations of others.

Incontinent means without self-control. This lack of self-control reveals itself in a number of ways.

When these people cannot have their way, they become much like savage beasts; instead of honoring what is good, they despise what is good and honor what is evil.

In society today, the standards of right and wrong have been twisted, if not destroyed (Is. 5:20).

Traitors (2 Tim. 3:4) describes people who betray others and cannot be trusted. Neither friendship nor partnership makes any difference to them.

They lie and break their promises whenever doing so helps them get their own way.

“Heady” means reckless, rash, acting without careful thought.

Their Converts – Vs. 6–7

These false religious leaders take advantage of the problems people have, and promise them quick and easy solutions.

They “worm their way in” and soon control people’s lives.

It is not long before these leaders grab their follower’s loyalty, money, and service.

And their converts are worse off than they were before.

They still have their problems, but they have been duped into thinking that all is well.

Remember, all of this activity is done in the name of religion.

“From such turn away.”

2. Follow Those Who Are True – 2 Tim. 3:10–12

Paul turned from the false leaders to remind Timothy that he (Paul) had been a faithful servant of God.

It is important in these difficult days that we follow the right spiritual leaders.

What Are Their Characteristics?

Their Lives Are Open For All To See – Vs. 10

Paul had nothing to hide. Timothy had lived and labored with Paul and knew the man well.

Paul had not hidden behind extravagant claims.

They Teach True Doctrine – Vs. 10

On radio and TV today, we have a great deal of mixture of psychology, success motivation, and personality cults, with a little bit of Bible thrown in to make it look religious.

Beware!

They Practice What They Preach – Vs. 10

Paul’s manner of life backed up his messages.

He did not preach sacrifice and live in luxury.

He gave to others far more than he received from them.

Paul was a servant, not a celebrity.

Their Purpose Is To Glorify God – Vs. 10

There was never a question about Paul’s purpose in ministry.

He wanted to do God’s will and finish the work God gave him to do (Acts 20:24; Phil. 1:21).

He was a man of faith who trusted God to meet his needs.

He was a man of longsuffering who endured under people’s attacks.

He was a man of love who willingly gave himself to serve others.

They Are Willing To Suffer – Vs. 11–12

Paul did not ask others to suffer for him; he suffered for others.

I wonder how Paul would match up with today’s concept of a Christian leader.

He had a prison record; he had a physical affliction; and he was poor.

Yet God used him, and we are being blessed today because Paul was faithful.