My God and My Country

The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Timothy Chapter Three

1 This know also, that in the last days shall come perilous times.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, intemperate, fierce, no lovers at all of them which are good,

4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God,

5 Having a show of godliness, but have denied the power thereof: turn away therefore from such.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive simple women laden with sins, and led with divers lusts,

7 Which women are ever learning, and are never able to come to the acknowledging of the truth.

8 And as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth, men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they shall prevail no longer: for their madness shall be evident unto all men, as theirs also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of living, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience,

11 Persecutions, and afflictions which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra, which persecutions I suffered: but from them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.

13 But the evil men and deceivers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and which are committed unto thee, knowing of whom thou hast learned them:

15 And that thou hast known the holy Scriptures of a child, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation, through the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 For the whole Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to teach, to convince, to correct, and to instruct in righteousness,

17 That the man of God may be absolute, being made perfect unto all good works.

Editor’s thoughts:

Verses 2-5 - These verses can be summed up in verse four; basically stating that all men will be lovers of pleasure as opposed to loving the holiness and righteousness of God. Carnal desires will fill their every thought, and sear their minds as if with a hot iron (See Proverbs 1:29; 1 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:16)

Verses 8-9, 13 - But rest assured friends that God's light, His word, will illuminate every evil deed and you will be able to recognize them so that they advance any false doctrines or unrighteous thoughts among the believers.

Verse 12, 16 - All those whose belief is in Christ will suffer some form of persecution. Whether it be physical, or the ostracizing of them from the general population. All will be considered fools, or weak of mind. And considered deniers of man's wisdom. However, as we know, all wisdom is from God and is bread and nourishment for the spirit. It is fit for teaching and correction. For guidance to those that have yet to learn righteousness. (See Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Matthew 4:4)