The last days are coming, hold onto God’s Word in the midst of ungodliness and persecutions.

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Which part of 2 Timothy 3 inspires you the most?

NOTE: “The reference to Jannes and Jambres [2 Tim. 3:8] and their opposition to Moses draws not on the Old Testament but on a widespread Jewish legend about two of Pharaoh's magicians who competed against Moses and lost (cf. Ex. 7:11; 9:11).”*

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1. Godlessness in the Last Days: Paul warned Timothy of the terrible times in the last days and listed 19 characteristic of the ungodly: [1] lovers of themselves; [2] lovers of money; [3] boastful [4] proud; [5] abusive; [6] disobedient to their parents; [7] ungrateful; [8] unholy; [9] without love; [10] unforgiving ; [11] slanderous; [12] without self-control; [13] brutal; [14] not lovers of the good; [15] treacherous; [16] rash; [17] conceited; [18] lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; [19] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have you encountered anyone with these characteristics? How did you feel as you encountered them?

2. Persecution in the Last Days: Paul reminded Timothy of his own persecution in the Province of Galatia, and that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (vv.10-12). List some of the persecutions or rejections that you face due to your faith in Christ? Pray for perseverance and wisdom as you face these difficulties.

3. God’s Word in the Last Days: Paul instructed Timothy that God’s Word “is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (vv.16-17). In order to be equipped for every good work in the last days, we need to study and to practice the words of God. Reflect upon your life and write down areas that you need to be "taught," "rebuked," "corrected," and "trained" by His words.

4. Your own insight: (fill in yourself) 

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Meditation and Application:

Meditate on the above questions along with the necessary actions. Pray for wisdom and for steadfastness in these last days. In addition, if you have not set a time for Bible reading and daily devotion, schedule in a time for that. Reevaluate your schedule in a week or so and adjust accordingly. 

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* The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.