A Warning to Heed!

2 Timothy 3:1-9

¹ You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. ² For 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. ³ They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. ⁴ They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. ⁵ They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

⁶ They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of 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.) ⁸ These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. ⁹ But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

These two paragraphs of Scripture are warning believers about what some people will be like in the last days before Christ’s return.  The first paragraph lists the characteristics of what these people will be like, for example proud, unforgiving, slanderers, lovers of pleasure not God etc.  If we see these sorts of characteristics then we are to steer clear of such people.  The thing is, these traits may not always be obvious, and this is what the second paragraph talks about.  It tells us not to be naïve, that there are false teachers about.

Paul uses strong words here, “they have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith” so how do we as believers avoid being taken advantage of? How does true faith show itself in a Christian?    Look for integrity – do they behave differently in private to their public persona?  Do their words match their actions?  Does the truth they are spinning match what is said in the bible?  It is so important to know God’s word for yourself, to have it handy to check and work things through so you know what you believe. Let God’s word guide you and knowing mature, trustworthy believers is also invaluable as you can observe their example and ask questions.

Dear Lord, help me to steer clear of those who do not truly love you.  Help me to remain true to you and your purposes.  Amen

Written by Ps. Ainslie Woods