1
Know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.
2
For men shall be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, slanderers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3
without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, not lovers of good,
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traitors, reckless, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God;
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holding a form of godliness, but denying its power. Turn away from such as these.
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For of these are they who creep into houses and take captive weak women burdened with sins, led away by various lusts,
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always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
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And just as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also withstand the truth. Their minds are corrupted, and they are reprobate concerning the faith.
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But they shall proceed no further; for their folly shall be plain to all men, as theirs also came to be.
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But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,
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persecutions, sufferings: what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra. These persecutions I endured; and out of them all the Lord delivered me.
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Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
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But evil men and impostors shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
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But you, continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you learned them,
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and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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Every Scripture inspired by God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
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that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.
📖 2 Timothy 3 – Living Righteously in an Evil Age
🧾 Summary of the Chapter
In this chapter, Paul foretells that the last days will be marked by evil, godlessness, and hypocrisy. He warns Timothy to be careful of those who have a form of godliness but deny its power, and he strengthens Timothy to remain steadfast in the written word of the Lord, namely the Holy Scriptures, which teach, reprove, correct, and train people in righteousness.
📘 Verse-by-Verse Explanation
| Verse | Main Point | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 | Signs of the last days | A difficult time will come: people will become selfish, greedy, proud, and lovers of themselves more than of God. They will pretend to be godly, but their lives will not be holy. |
| 6–9 | Deceivers who slip in secretly | There are false teachers who lead astray the weak. They keep learning, yet never come to know the truth. |
| 10–13 | Paul’s example and persecution | Timothy is reminded of Paul’s life and sufferings, and that everyone who desires to live godly will face persecution. |
| 14–17 | Hold fast to the Scriptures | Timothy is reminded to hold fast to the Holy Scriptures, which are able to save and to equip a person for every good work. |
✨ Main Lessons
- An evil age calls for spiritual watchfulness
Many people will show outward godliness, yet reject the true power of God. We must be able to distinguish truth from falsehood. - The importance of following the faith and faithfulness of true believers
Paul asks Timothy to imitate his manner of life, teaching, and endurance in the face of suffering. - The Scriptures are the supreme source of teaching
All Scripture inspired by God is useful for teaching, rebuking, and training people so that they may be spiritually complete. - Godly living does not escape suffering
Those who truly live for God will face trials and persecution from the world.
💡 Spiritual Meaning
2 Timothy 3 is a call to be alert to the hypocrisy of the age, and to remain rooted in the word of the Lord. The world will grow more evil, but believers must remain steadfast in the truth they have known since childhood, namely the word that saves.
📖 Key Verse
“Every Scripture inspired by God is indeed profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16
