WHAT'S COMING AND HOW TO WIN
2 TIMOTHY 3:1 & 13-17
2 TIMOTHY 3:1 & 13-17 NKJ
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
OBSERVATION:
This chapter contains a warning for Timothy and counsel regarding what to do.
Know that in the last days, perilous times will come. The footnote of my Bible says times of stress will come.
Then Paul repeats that theme regarding the people we will see in the last days in verse 13. He went into some detail of what people will become in verses 2-9. So, in repeating himself, he wants Timothy to be alert. But not afraid.
Starting in verse 14, Paul instructs Timothy in what to do during these stressful times when deception seems to be multiplying.
Stay with what you have learned, knowing who you learned from. Paul was a big voice in Timothy's life. Paul was well known to Timothy from a public and private standpoint. With the amount of deception taking place, Timothy could trust what he learned from Paul.
And the Holy Scriptures. Timothy had been taught the scriptures from his childhood. And it is the scriptures that provide the wisdom that saves you. You'll have to exercise faith, but you will have everything you need in Christ.
All scripture is inspired by God and will profit you. Scripture will teach you, correct you, train you and show you how to live in righteousness. You will be mature and ready for every good work.
In perilous times you won't be caught off guard or lacking the wisdom you need to win.
APPLICATION:
God's wisdom is timeless. In the last days, which we are most definitely in, He tells us what is coming. The Lord also lets us know how not to be overcome by the age but rather how to win.
Don't listen to everyone. Know whom you are learning from. Being on YouTube does not always mean credibility.
Know and practice the scriptures. They will keep you on the right path. And they will keep you from deception.
Challenging times are here, but we are on the winning side. Now and throughout eternity.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for helping me in these stressful times. Thank You for trustworthy people in my life that I can learn from. And thank You for the Scriptures that profit my life in every way.