2 Timothy 3
3
Characteristics of the Last Days
1But you need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce. 2People will be self-centered lovers of themselves # 3:2 The Aramaic can be translated “men will look out only for themselves.” and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and mock all that is right. They will ignore their own families. # 3:2 Or “disloyal to their people.” The Greek is “disobedient to parents.” They will be ungrateful # 3:2 The Aramaic can be translated “rejecters of grace.” and ungodly.
3They will become addicted to hateful and malicious slander. # 3:3 Because this phrase is also the description of the devil (the accuser or slanderer), it could be translated “they will be devils.” Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, belligerent haters of what is good and right. 4With brutal treachery, they will act without restraint, bigoted and wrapped in clouds of their conceit. They will find their delight in the pleasures of this world more than the pleasures of the loving God.
5They may pretend to have a respect for God, but in reality they want nothing to do with God’s power. Stay away from people like these! 6For they are the ones who worm their way into the hearts of vulnerable women, # 3:6 An alternate Greek translation could read “they intrude into households and by their heresies, take prisoners of those who are led astray by desires and sins.” The Aramaic, however, is clearly speaking of the gross immorality of the last days. spending the night with those who are captured by their lusts and steeped in sin. 7They are always learning but never discover the revelation-knowledge of truth.
8History has given us an example of this with the Egyptian sorcerers Jannes and Jambres, # 3:8 This is a fascinating verse, for Jannes and Jambres are never mentioned by name in Exodus. It simply mentions the sorcerers who wanted to compete with Moses and his authority. These two names are, however, mentioned by Origen, one of the church fathers, who makes reference to the Book of Jannes and Jambres, but no complete copies of these books have ever been found. who stood against Moses in their arrogance. So it will be in the last days with those who reject the faith with their corrupt minds and arrogant hearts, standing against the truth of God.
9But they will not advance, for everyone will see their madness, just as they did with Jannes and Jambres! # 3:9 Implied in the conclusion of Paul’s argument.
Timothy’s Loyalty
10But you, Timothy, have closely followed my example and the truth that I’ve imparted to you. You have modeled your life after the love and endurance I’ve demonstrated in my ministry by not giving up. The faith I have, you now have. What I have hungered for in life has now become your longing as well. The patience I have with others, you now demonstrate. 11And the same persecutions and difficulties I have endured, you have also endured. Yes, you know all about what I had to suffer while in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. You’re aware of all the persecution I endured there; yet the Lord delivered me from every single one of them! 12For all who choose to live godly as worshipers of Jesus, the Anointed One, will also experience persecution.
13But the evil men and sorcerers # 3:13 Or “deceivers.” The Greek word is “sorcerers.” will progress from bad to worse, deceived and deceiving, as they lead people further from the truth. 14Yet you must continue to advance in strength with the truth wrapped around your heart, being assured by God that he’s the One # 3:14 By implication “God.” However, some interpret this as his teachers. who has truly taught you all these things.
15Remember what you were taught from your childhood from the Holy Scrolls # 3:15 Or “sacred Scriptures.” which can impart to you wisdom to experience everlasting life through the faith of Jesus, the Anointed One! 16God has transmitted his very substance into every Scripture, # 3:16 Keep in mind that when Paul wrote this he was referring to the Torah and all the Old Testament writings. Today, “every Scripture” would include the New Testament as well. for it is God-breathed. # 3:16 The Word of God is inspired. Scripture is not simply a book that tells about God, it actually contains God. His breath is embedded in his Word. It will empower you by its instruction and correction, giving you the strength to take the right direction and lead you deeper into the path of godliness. 17Then you will be God’s servant, fully mature and perfectly prepared to fulfill any assignment God gives you.
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Learn More About The Passion Translation2 Timothy 3
3
The Dangers of the Last Days
1You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
6They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of#3:6 Greek and take captive. vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7(Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.
Paul’s Charge to Timothy
10But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
14But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
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