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We See Signs
Paul tells Timothy and all of us today through the Word of God that terrible times are coming in the last days. We see signs that they might be starting or soon starting. All we have to do is look around at the things going on in the world.
2 Timothy 3:1-5, 7, 10-11, 15-17
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NKJV
Yes, already we see these things. Reading these words of Scripture gives me the feeling that I was reading today’s newspaper. It seems that each generation, sometimes each year, we see something else in greater prevalence going on in our communities, perhaps in our families, that Paul warns about in this passage.
…always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7 NKJV
This phrase seems so appropriate today.
We gather information as never before at the touch of a keyboard.
Our computers, and smartphones link us to the world in seconds. We are always learning something new. It is not limited to college students constantly gathering new information. Our connection via Internet brings news into our homes as it is happening. Yet for all of our ability to learn and gather information, we are unable to come to the knowledge of the truth. That knowledge comes to us only from God and we don’t seem to go to Him for Truth very often at all.
Believers and true followers of Jesus are the ones who ask God for His Truth and then apply it to their lives.
They are the ones who will follow where and how God leads them and who obey His Word. They simply won’t go the way of the world, accepting the morals, or lack of them, that is pushed at them. Instead, they choose to follow and obey God in all things. All decisions are put before Him. We seek His Will always, above our own.
But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 2 Timothy 3:10-11 NKJV
The early followers of Christ, and fellow believers with Paul, as well as those who believe and follow today, know that the Lord WILL deliver us when we obey Him.
… the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 NKJV
The Bible is our unfailing guidebook through life.
It makes us “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Truly, all Scripture is a gift to us from God. Scripture helps us understand doctrine, and corrects us, instructing us in what is right. If we read and believe it and apply it to all the decisions and actions of our lives, we will be equipped to do every good work that God has for us to do.
Praise Him for His Help!
Finally, I would encourage you to continue reading 2 Timothy chapter 4 in your Bible after this passage we just talked about in chapter 3.
Chapter 4:2 tells us that we believers are to be the ones to “Preach the Word.” God gives you the joy and responsibility to share Jesus and God’s Word with this world before it is too late. The last days may be closer than we realize.
In verse 7, Paul tells us that he is getting toward the end of his life and that he has “fought the good fight.” He was true to his faith in Christ.
All the days of our lives may we obey God,
& “fight the good fight” as well.