In 2 Timothy Chapter 3, the apostle predicts an increase in the rise of treacherous foes to the gospel. He offers his own illustrations of this type of occurrence to Timothy. He then urges Timothy to carry on with the doctrines he has studied in the Holy Scriptures.
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Paul Discusses False Teachings
Whether from persecution from without, or corruption from within, Paul said there would be dangerous periods in gospel times. Men were still prone to satisfy their own lust than to gratify God. Paul states that God must be loved and appreciated above all others.
Paul goes on in 2 Timothy chapter 3 to say that parents must show true affection for their offspring and the children must be obedient to the parents. Lust and carnal knowledge should never take precedence over God. Everyone should be educated as to the ways of Jesus so as to shield themselves from those who are artful with flatteries and false pretenses.
Understanding Doctrine
Paul explains that a full understanding of Christ’s doctrine as taught by the disciples will allow us to avoid declining a believer’s affliction due to only partially recognizing God’s teachings. Many profess Christian values without ever truly embracing them.
Good men become better, while through Satan and their own internal corruptions, bad men turn worse. 2 Timothy Chapter 3 teaches that things will go from bad to worse through self deception and by deceiving others. The apostle said he attempted to convey this concept as he was moved by the Holy Ghost.
Divine Revelation
Divine revelation is realized with an understanding of the Holy Scriptures. This information must be taught to children from an early age. The Bible is the true guide to eternal life. 2 Timothy Chapter 3 ends with a proclamation that the Bible must be held near to the heart. There are incidents in the Bible that relate to all aspects of life. Knowledge of the Scriptures, says Paul, provide the happiness promised by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
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2 Timothy 3 (King James Version)
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, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, 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 they which 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 that will live godly 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 of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child 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 furnished unto all good works.