OCTOBER 6 READING…2 TIMOTHY 2
Paul warns Timothy, and us, concerning the perilous times that will come in the last days. It is clear we are in those times right now. Men will be lovers of themselves and money. They will be boasters, proud, and blasphemers of God. They will be disobedient to parents, unthankful, and unholy. This is our world, and these things that Paul is speaking about are running rampant. Paul continues, they will be unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God. We are instructed to turn away from such people. These ungodly people creep into household and abuse and mislead those who are gullible by deception. These people think they are they are wise and intelligent, but actually are ignorant. Paul gives the Old Testament example of Jannes and Jambres against Moses. They have corrupt minds, they are not genuine people of faith…and neither are those who act in this way.
Do worry, but these people will not get by with their ungodliness.
Paul then instructs the pastor to confront apostasy. A pastor cannot sit on the sidelines and let apostate teaching continue in the church. Paul tells us that the pastor can expect suffering, persecutions, and afflictions…but they are to react in love, long-suffering, and perseverance. God has promise to deliver us from the hands of our enemies. But we are to be aware, and nor surprised that evil people and imposters will grow worse and worse…they will deceive, while they themselves are deceived. The pastor is to stay in that which he has been taught, referring to sound biblical doctrine. Paul reminds the pastor that they do not have to be either intimidated or fearful of that which they will face, because the Scripture that they teach and believe in is from God…and it is all we need for all that God has called the pastor to. In the Scripture we are thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…2 TIMOTHY 3
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