2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3

Theme: Guard the Faith

7) By expecting opposition (3:1-9)

"But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will
come." (3:1 NAS)

Rather than getting better and better, departure from doctrine
and a resulting decline in morals will mark unsaved men (some of
whom will profess faith), in the last days of the church age.
"Jannes and Jambres" may have been two magicians in Pharaoh's
court, who imitated but opposed God's work through Moses, and
were ultimately defeated (Ex. 7:11ff.) If you're guarding the
faith, you need to expect difficult opposition from ungodly men,
some of whom may profess religion.

8) By avoiding ungodly men (5-9)

"avoid such men as these"

These are men who profess religion, but lead an ungodly life. 1
Corinthians 5:10-11 says, "I wrote you in my letter not to
associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the
immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers,
or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the
world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any
so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous,
or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler--not
even to eat with such a one." (NAS)

9) By following godly examples (10-13)

"But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience,
love, persecutions, and sufferings..." (10-11a NAS)

In contrast to those who profess religion but lead an ungodly
life (1-9), Timothy should follow Paul's example of suffering
persecution for his faith and godly conduct (11). Ungodly men
have always and will always mistreat those who practice their
faith: "And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus
will be persecuted." (12 NAS)

10) By continuing in the Scriptures (14-17)

"You, however, continue in the things you have learned...from
childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to
give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which
is in Christ Jesus..." (14-15 NAS)

The Bible is God's means of delivering men from the penalty,
power, and presence of their sins through faith in Christ (Rom.
1:16-17; 3; 6:1-14; 8; 10:14-17). Christ preached the gospel of
His death and resurrection from the entire OT (Luke 24:13-27).
Paul also persuaded Jews from the same (Acts 17:1ff.). Verses
16-17 say, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for
teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in
righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for
every good work." (NAS)

There is no extra Biblical doctrine, psychology, philosophy,
discipline, or field of study which is necessary or capable of
delivering the man of God from sin or equipping him for "every
good work. The man of God should guard the faith by continuing
in the Scriptures.

--
Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and
gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,
not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.
1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the
glory (Eph. 2:8-9).
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