2 Timothy 3English Standard Version (ESV)

Godlessness in the Last Days

3 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Paul has thus far encouraged Timothy to use his gifts and to "fan into flame" his gift of teaching. He has also acknowledged that there will be people in the church who will distort the gospel and be attracted to untruths, bad theologies. Paul taught Timothy to gently correct these people and to keep using his gift of teaching. This chapter better describes the people Timothy will need to be aware of... "lovers of self, lovers of money... disobedient to their parents, ungrateful...having the appearance of godliness, but denying it's power." Some of these things make sense... some of these descriptors I would not taken back if someone in the church had some of these attributes.... I have some of these attributes. Yet we are told these type of people will be easy to see. Paul encourages Timothy to use his childhood training, the mentorship from Paul, and the Scriptures to keep doing the good work God has set before Timothy. 

Father, thank You for giving me Scripture to hear Your truths. Thank You for placing men and women of God in my life who have mentored me in the faith. Help me to see You working in every part of my life. Help me to be able to encourage others in their faith and not be lead others astray with my sin. Amen.