2 timothy 3:12 explained

I. In these last terrible days men will come to have no love for good things or good persons (aphilagathos, G865) . Now though it is infallible, inerrant and inspired, I did make a mistake in my message this morning on the speed of Arcturus; it's twelve thousand miles a second, I think I said twelve million. The man who is huperephanos ( G5244) , said Theophrastus, has a kind of contempt for everyone except himself. In all life there is nothing so creative of really productive effort as a clear consciousness of a purpose. 3:2-5 For men will live a life that is centred in self; they will be lovers of money, braggarts, arrogant, lovers of insult, disobedient to their parents, thankless, regardless even of the ultimate decencies of life, without human affection, implacable in hatred, revelling in slander, ungovernable in their passions, savage, not knowing what the love of good is, treacherous, headlong in word and action, inflated with pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. It was not merely now that they had made their consciences bad and slipped away from faith. 2 Timothy 3:12 MEANING - kingjamesbibleonline.org Men will be inflated with conceit (tetuphomenos, G5187) . It means to follow a person spiritually, not only to understand what he says, but also to carry out his ideas and be the kind of person he wishes us to be. ' according to godliness, 1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 1:1; and in all godliness, 1 Timothy 2:2. We find a precisely similar kind of combination in Paul. He says that in them difficult times would set in. The way of sin is down-hill; for such proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. "Evil men and seducers will wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." At the end of each reading, the brigand said: "That's a good book; we won't burn that one; give it to me." (v) Paul makes a final point. I am not at liberty of course to leave Christendom, I dare not get out of the great house at all; indeed I cannot (at any rate without becoming an apostate) leave the house of God, however bad its state may be. The Platonic Definitions defined the corresponding noun (alazoneia, G212) as: "The claim to good things which a man does not really possess." They choose to lay, again and again, the early foundations of their Christian faith i.e. He nourishes an all-consuming, all-pervading pride; and in his heart there is a little altar where he bows down before himself. I reply, it is not always in one way that Satan persecutes the servants of Christ. "[21] See also under 1Thessalonians 3:3. And so there comes that point where they will proceed no further: "their folly becomes manifest to all men", as Jannes and Jambres also was. He might even seem to be humble; but in his secret heart there is contempt for everyone else. Christ's apostles had no enemies but those who did not know them, or not know them fully; those who knew them best loved and honoured them the most. The Christian emancipation of women inevitably brought its problems. Perverse Men 2 Timothy 3:2-4 . "Knowing especially the firm foundation upon which thou hast built, namely, that of the scripture (2 Timothy 3:15; 2 Timothy 3:15): That from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures.". This was to touch the right chord in his heart. There can come a time in a man's life when the company of good people and the presence of good things is simply an embarrassment. Noah escaped? If anyone proposes to accept a set of standards quite different from the world's, he is bound to encounter trouble. 2 Timothy 3 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - StudyLight.org 2 Timothy 3:12, "Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution.". Traitors . For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, and led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth ( 2 Timothy 3:5-7 ). Accordingly, there is a depth of feeling that one may safely say far exceeds the first epistle, although it had shown so much tenderness and care both for Timothy and the faithful of those days. "Perilous times shall come." Do you have a hard time with that? All that will live godly So opposite to the spirit and practice of the world is the whole of Christianity, that he who gives himself entirely up to God, making the Holy Scriptures the rule of his words and actions, will be less or more reviled and persecuted. We don't have the time to devote to it this evening but I would suggest that you get a good Greek lexicon and do a word study on these particular Greek words that Paul uses to describe the attitudes and the actions of people in the last days. God wants you to be complete. That's not the kind of promises we really enjoy, is it? He returned after the first missionary journey to visit the Churches he had founded, "strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" ( Acts 14:22). Then he points out the two principal guards for the faithful, in such a perilous state. Trench, Richard Chenevix, D.D. 2 Timothy 3:12 Commentaries: Indeed, all who desire to live godly in The scriptures we are to know are the holy scriptures; they come from the holy God, were delivered by holy men, contain holy precepts, treat of holy things, and were designed to make us holy and to lead us in the way of holiness to happiness; being called the holy scriptures, they are by this distinguished from profane writings of all sorts, and from those that only treat morality, and common justice and honesty, but do not meddle with holiness. Edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, this new commentary series, projected to be 48 volumes, takes a Christ-centered approach to expositing each book of the Bible. "Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. It is one thing to start an evil and untrue report on its malicious way; it is entirely another thing to stop it. Description of His Past Curriculum 2 Timothy 3:10-12. We have sown the wind, now we're going to reap the whirlwind. At the same time He will have them undividedly for Himself; and He is also jealous of the way in which they seek even the ends of God. And you will find as God's word becomes a very part of your life and you begin to be guided by the word of God, that God will begin to use you in very exciting ways. Any conversion which makes a man think of nothing but the fact that he has been saved is no true conversion. A true insight would have made them recognise in Jesus the Messiah for whom they waited. I think we've gone just about as far as we can. The apostle's life was very exemplary for three things: for his doctrine, which was according to the will of God; for his life, which was agreeable to his doctrine; and for his persecutions and sufferings. For it is not dogma pure and simple, it is not mere instruction; and we may thank God for it. That's just fable. The woman, thrilled to the heart, does so and is deluded into thinking that she can prophesy. 2 Timothy Chapter 3 Kjv - King James Bible Online There is a sense in which slander is the most cruel of all sins. What does 2 Timothy 3:13 mean? But the apostle remembered it all, felt deeply for if not with him, and greatly desiring to see him once more. These twin qualities of the braggart and the arrogant man inevitably result in love of insult (blasphemia, G988) . A whole collection of stories gathered round their names. THE EXPERIENCES OF AN APOSTLE ( 2 Timothy 3:10-13 continued). Or are you going to develop a doctrine that is diametrically opposed to what Jesus said? And may not their freedom from it prove that they have surrendered the principles of their religion, where they should have stood firm, though the world were arrayed against them? In simple fairness, no man seeking for the truth has any right to neglect the reading of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:12 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org The one was suited to upset the young, the other to beguile the old. Christianity was cradled in Judaism and very naturally thought largely in Jewish terms and pictures. And this, I apprehend, is the reason. 6. Originally the alazon ( G213) was a wandering quack. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. They're profitable. ", Now when you have difficulty in your understanding of a scripture, rather than setting that aside and saying, Well, God really didn't say that; just say, hey, I really don't understand that yet. And many shall be stirred up in anger to injure many; And they shall rouse up armies in order to shed blood. And that's what creates the problem all the way through. Christian life is a life of purpose. He was ordered to light a bonfire and burn his books. It has been pointed out that the writer of Revelation may well have been thinking of Ephesus when he wrote that haunting passage which describes the merchandise of men: "The cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble, cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, oil, fine flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, and slaves, that is, human souls" ( Revelation 18:12-13). It is interesting that the Scriptures in many places speak of the last days and in every case where the Scriptures speak of the last days, you find that it is an apt description of the day and the age in which we live. Who is talking all these words without knowledge? Those who would acquaint themselves with the things of God, and be assured of them, must know the holy scriptures, for these are the summary of divine revelation. For "all scripture is given by inspiration of God. In the Jewish pictures of these last terrible times we get exactly the same kind of picture as we get here. human nature began to show itself out in indifference. It is a great happiness to know the certainty of the things wherein we have been instructed (Luke 1:4); not only to know what the truths are, but to know that they are of undoubted certainty. Perilous Times 2 Timothy 3:1. This is God's attitude to men. That which finishes a man of God in this world is the scripture. "Beloved, consider it not strange concerning the fiery trials which are to try you, as though some strange thing has happened to you" ( 1 Peter 4:12 ). But the apostle at the same time owns, and loves to own, that which another might perhaps despise. Timothy needed to realize, as all Christians do, especially those to whom "prosperity theology" appeals, that when a person determines to live a godly life he or she will suffer persecution. All rights reserved. It is the Greek parakolouthein ( G3877) and literally means to follow alongside; but it is used with a magnificent width of meaning. Persecution and hardships will come, but of two things Paul is sure. Copyright Statement These files are public domain. That is the inevitable way to ruin, for no man can master anything unless he first masters himself. 2 Timothy 3:12 - Bible Hub Now, it is doubtless as true as it ever was, that a man who will live as the Saviour did, will, like him, be subjected to some such injury or disadvantage. He flung the New Testament on it. That is, he must first labour, and then partake of the fruits. Verse 2 Timothy 3:1. Resurrection is the form and character of the lowest blessings of which Jesus is the dispenser; much more is He risen to exalt God in the highest. But let not a man who will do this, suppose that he has any claim to be numbered among the martyrs, or even entitled to the Christian name. If Timothy wishes to live godly in Christ, he must make up his mind to encounter. Paul was a prisoner again and awaited death. [2.] One day a visitor came to the ward and left a supply of gospels. Titus, we know, did so; but God took care that it should never be positively stated about Timothy. There are persons who think that the approach of death is intended to blot out everything here. 2 Timothy 3 - NIV Bible - But mark this: There will be terrible times And I will tell you what scriptures are inspired and which ones aren't. The Greek verb kratein ( G2902) means to control. That is where you become thoroughly equipped to do the work that God has designed and ordained for you. That the man of God may be perfect,2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:17. Men would be headlong in words and action. It would not burn. The first is the moral character of the source or channel whence Timothy had derived what he knew. Jewish thought had one basic conception. Living here almost in a Sodom-Gomorrah atmosphere and environment. 2 Timothy 3:12 NIV - In fact, everyone who wants to live a - Bible Gateway It seems to me, I confess, that if there were simplicity of faith, the Lord would give one eyes to see some at least that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart. The difference between the braggart and the man who is arrogant is this. There are those who shrink from helping on others in order to the work and doctrine of the Lord. ", The Bible tells about God giving people over to reprobate minds, men who resist God and the truth of God. And so Paul said to Timothy, "You have fully known". And there came that place where, hey, Moses performed a miracle of God and they backed away. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work." Now this is not given to us in the Scriptures but there are other, what are known as apocryphal books, in which these two fellows are named. John 15:19; Matthew 10:22; Matthew 10:38-39, Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus,. All that live according to the will of God revealed in his word; and to the glory of God, as the end of all their actions; and which the grace of God in the Gospel, and in their own hearts, teaches them; and who have the principles of a godly life from Christ, and derive the fresh supplies of grace and life from him, to maintain it; in whom their life is hid, and who live by faith upon him; all such that live, and that will live so, are desirous of living after this manner; in whom God has wrought in them both to will and to do, and are concerned when it is otherwise with them: these. "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all" ( Psalms 34:19 ). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God.". He would not have him to be spreading doubtful opinions; but what he had heard from the apostle himself he need not scruple to give out freely. They will refuse to recognize the debt they owe both to God and to men. More and more the Christian is a marked person because the more corrupt the world becomes, the more the Christian stands out. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. "The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day." One day they said to Jesus, Show us a sign. The closing chapter (2 Timothy 4:1-22) then gives his solemn charge, and at the same time his own expression of what was before him. In between there was The Day of the Lord, a day when God would personally intervene and shatter the world in order to remake it. It is of use to all, for we all need to be instructed, corrected, and reproved: it is of special use to ministers, who are to give instruction, correction, and reproof; and whence can they fetch it better than from the scripture? 2 Timothy 3 1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. I've never found that in one of those little Bible promise books, I mean, promise things yet. The whole idea is that of thoroughly fitting you as an instrument that God can use. The great thing is to do the will of God, let others say what they please; and so the apostle Paul exhorts Timothy. What does 2 Timothy 3:13 mean? | BibleRef.com That the scripture has various uses, and answers divers ends and purposes: It is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction of all errors in judgment and practice, and for instruction in righteousness. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel." 2. And when you lose authority you have anarchy. They love pleasure more than they love God; that's the indictment. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. This may be either an injury done to his feelings, his family, his reputation, his property, his liberty, his influence; it may be by depriving him of an office which he held, or preventing him from obtaining one to which he is eligible; it may be by subjecting him to fine or imprisonment, to banishment, torture, or death. There would come a kind of terrible flowering of evil, when the moral foundations seemed to be shaken. Introduction; 2 Timothy 1 Commentary; This is the right thing to do. What a blessing. (186) Et tous ceux aussi qui veulent vivre en la crainte de Dieu. And all those also who wish to live in the fear of God., (187) Que rien ne luy est advenu que tous fideles ne doyvent aussi attendre. That nothing has happened to him which all believers must not also look for.. The apostle well knew that the God who had brought these glorious truths to man, the God that had manifested His grace, had given a witness of their reality in the man from whom he had learned them; and this was meant to have an enduring effect on the conscience and heart of Timothy. If they had been more faithful, and more like their Master, would they have always escaped? There is peril when men assess prosperity by material things. My wife and I eat out quite a bit. Parakolouthein ( G3877) is indeed the word for the disciple, for it includes the unwavering loyalty of the true comrade, the full understanding of the true scholar and the complete obedience of the dedicated servant. In 2 Timothy 3:9 he meant that the teaching of evil does not necessarily become more extensive and capture a wider audience as evil becomes worse. On account of his opinions, he may be held up to ridicule, or treated with neglect, or excluded from society to which his attainments and manners would otherwise introduce him, or shunned by those who might otherwise value his friendship. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. At that time Timothy was just a very young boy, probably in his mid-teens and yet he was attracted to Paul the apostle because of the message that Paul bore. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1930. If we consult the scripture, which was given by inspiration of God, and follow its directions, we shall be made men of God, perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good work. The thing that amazes me is that he can attract people who will support him. They're profitable for doctrine. He lets Timothy know that while he laid this on others, he must look carefully to his own ways. His mental palate loses its taste. Besides that, persecutions today are manifested much more indirectly. (187) And he says this, partly that believers may prepare themselves for submitting to this condition, and partly that good men may not view him with suspicion on account of the persecutions which he endures from wicked persons; as it frequently happens that the distresses to which men are subjected lead to unfavorable opinions concerning them; for he whom men regard with aversion is immediately declared by the common people to be hated by God. Thus he comforts Timothy at the same time that he admonishes him. Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be at the coming of the Son of man" ( Luke 17:26 ). We usually try to avoid it on Friday evening if we can, but sometimes our schedules are such that we just don't have time to. Get out your pen and take out the red, put the blue one. 3:1 You must realize this--that in the last days difficult times will set in. Lear's words remain true: "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is. But now there were other reasons for it, namely, that Christians were neglecting godliness and order. Now, it is doubtless as true as it ever was, that a man who will live as the Saviour did, will, like him, be subjected to some such injury or disadvantage. It may well be that the greatest handicap to Christianity is not the scarlet sinner but the sleek devotee of an unimpeachable orthodoxy and a dignified convention, who is horrified when it is suggested that real religion is a dynamic power which changes a man's personal life. The final condemnation of these people is that they retain the outward form of religion but deny its power. And there's such a complete, total absence of love. Nowadays we have to restate these old pictures in modern terms. (i) He says that the Scriptures give the wisdom which will bring salvation. Don't expect the world to applaud when you speak out against evil. And as we pointed out, the danger always of saying some scriptures, not all scriptures, is the loss of authority. A great many certainly flatter themselves that they are thus favoured; but the cases are uncommon where it is more than pretence. All that will live godly So opposite to the spirit and practice of the world is the whole of Christianity, that he who gives himself entirely up to God, making the Holy Scriptures the rule of his words and actions, will be less or more reviled and persecuted. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men." There is little likelihood that Timothy will be easily led astray by false teaching. 3:6-7 For from among these there come those who enter into houses, and take captive foolish women, laden with sins and driven by varied desires, ready to listen to any teacher but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. Thus the apostle comes to the close of his ministry, and touches upon the line of St. John. The alazon ( G213) was a mountebank who wandered the country with medicines and spells and methods of exorcism which, he claimed, were panaceas for all diseases. What Paul is thinking of here is more than faithlessness in friendship--although that in all truth is wounding enough--he is thinking of those who to pay back an old score would inform against the Christians to the Roman government.