Second Timothy - Chapter 3
THEME: THE COMING APOSTASY (REJECTION) AND THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE
3:1
Paul warns against the apostasy, the rejection of Christ, that will come in the last days. He also gives the medicine needed to act against this heresy, which is the Word of God.
We must remember the definition of the term “last days” to properly understand this warning. When used in the early church, this term meant the coming of the Messiah bringing His gospel, plus the coming of the Kingdom which meant the millennial Kingdom of 1,000 years, after the second coming of the Lord. Paul had warned the leaders of the church in Ephesus face to face of these facts in Acts 20:29-30. He said perverse speakers would arise within the church there to draw away followers from Christ. Paul says these times would be perilous. These days are still among us today and are as harsh as the moment Paul wrote this letter to Timothy.
3:2-8
To reflect the full value of all of Paul’s warning we can review it best by listing all that he warns against that men will become:
lovers of their own selves
covetous
boasters
proud
blasphemers
disobedient to parents
unthankful
unholy
without natural affection
trucebreakers
false accusers
incontinent
fierce
despisers of those that are good
traitors
heady
high minded
loving pleasure more than God
having a form of godliness
denying the power of God
creepers into houses
leading captive silly women
leading women of sin away
leading away with divers lusts
ever learning, never knowing truth
resisting truth
having corrupt minds
reprobate concerning faith
Paul even mentions the two Egyptian magicians by name that Pharaoh called in to withstand Moses. Exodus never gave us the names and we would have not known these names except for Paul providing them here. The point of this part of his comments is to clearly show that Satan gives some powers to some evil men.We cannot avoid noticing that included within the list is a clue to how it has its beginning, disobedience to parents. Disobedience toward parents while children will cause disobedience to God when children are adults.
3:9
All of these chosen disorders will be seen by all men as folly as should proceed no further.
3:10-13
In the last days the authority of scripture and the power it brings will be seen. Paul reminds Timothy that he has full knowledge of Paul’s doctrine, manner of life, purpose, long suffering, charity (love), and patience. This reminder is given to persuade Timothy to copy Paul in these matters to avoid all the apostasy listed previously.
Paul lists the afflictions he has endured in several cities which were persecutions toward him from which he was delivered by the Lord. Timothy knew these things as he and his family were residents of the areas Paul notes. Paul leaves no stone unturned here and reminds Timothy that all who seek to live godly lives in Christ shall so suffer. The evil men will not melt away but will continue to oppose the gospel and their attacks will grow worse and worse as they deceive. Here is scriptural warning that things of the world will not get better spiritually but will continue downhill until the rapture is done.
3:14-17
After giving such a long list of awful attitudes which will infest men’s lives in the last days, Paul now provides the medicinal antidote against such matters. That cure is holy scripture. Paul tells Timothy to continue in the scriptures where he has gained knowledge and sustaining faith since childhood. These writings are able to bring wisdom unto salvation through faith in Jesus and His gospel.
Paul defines this medicine clearly. All scripture has been given by inspiration of God. It is God breathing out His holy desire for those who seek Him.
Here “all” means “all”, not part. We are not allowed to pick and choose from scripture to guide our lives. His word is profitable for doctrine to teach and for conviction as it does so. Scripture corrects as we study and instructs us in its discipline to think and act according to God’s will.
When properly followed, scripture makes one perfect, not meaning sinless but meaning complete. Scripture has been given to refine us toward willingness to God’s ways rather than our own. It arranges the continual bending of our will toward His will as we study it and live by it which is sanctification.
Timothy has been instructed here in a most personal way, taught the Word of God by God’s apostle in order that he become able to declare the Word of God to the church.
