Turn Away from the False
November 19, 2022
Commentary
As in his previous letter, Paul warned Timothy about the collapse predicted for the last days (I Tim. 4:1-3). The last days began after Jesus’ resurrection when the Holy Spirit came upon the believers at Pentecost. These last days will continue until Christ’s second coming. In this chapter Paul gives Timothy three instructions to obey during the difficult times that lie ahead.
Turn away from the false (vv. 1-9)Follow those who are true (vv. 10-12)Continue in God’s Word (vv. 13-17)Paul wants Timothy to realize that as time moves on, opposition to truth will get more intense (v. 1). He lists 18 characteristics of these perilous times and every believer who has his eyes open can see these very things happening today (vv. 2-9). In our world there is God, there are people and there are things. We should worship God, love people, and use things. If we start worshiping ourselves, we will ignore God and start loving things and using people. We can see this happening all around us. One of the outstanding characteristics of this time is “disobedience to parents,” (v. 2) which leads to a disregard for all authority. If disobedient to parents, it is not likely that they will obey other authority.
Application
Of the characteristics mentioned in this passage which ones are the most evident in today’s world? Lord help me to recognize false worshipers and be obedient to your word in these last days.
2 Timothy 3:1– 7 (NET)
1 But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. 5 They will maintain the outward appearance of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these. 6 For some of these insinuate themselves into households and captivate weak women who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. 7 Such women are always seeking instruction, yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.