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1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,
4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,
7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.
8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.
9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

Reflection

A Pretense of Godliness (3:1–5)
After saying that some who oppose the gospel will hopefully come to their senses and repent, Paul also warns that many will continue to live in unholy and unloving ways. These people are prideful and selfish and will focus on their own desires rather than caring for others. Some of them may appear godly, but they do not truly believe in the power of God. Paul instructs Timothy to avoid them because of the harm they inflict on the community. This warning reminds us to be discerning so that we are not so easily deceived by those who act and appear godly while pursuing personal pleasure.

- Reread verses 2–5. What traits indicate that someone only pretends to be godly but has denied God’s power?

Recognizing the Truth (3:6–9)
Paul tells Timothy that people who pretend to be godly manipulate others and deceive those who indulge in sin and are consumed by their evil desires. These hypocritical teachers oppose the truth, following their depraved minds instead. They may have initial success, but Scripture teaches that they will not progress very far. Their manipulation and deceitful purposes will soon become obvious to everyone. Let us not be easily swayed by seemingly compelling people who do not understand the truth of God’s Word. Rather, let us keep in step with the Holy Spirit, so that we may quickly recognize those who oppose the truth and are motivated by ungodly desires.

- How do you seek to discern whether someone’s teaching agrees with the truth? Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you discernment to quickly recognize messages that do not represent the truth. 

A letter to God 

Lord Jesus, thank you for the truth of Your Word. When I encounter people who seem godly, let Your Holy Spirit guide me so that I may discern those who truly represent You from those who oppose the truth and are motivated by selfish desires. In Your name I pray, amen.

All Copyrights of the text in Living Life belong to Duranno Books.