Paul in writing to Timothy warns him of the terrible times that would exist in the last days. He admonishes Timothy to continue in what he had learned and had become convinced of. He urges him to keep himself grounded in the scriptures so that he would endure being thoroughly equipped for every situation and good work.
Read the story: II Timothy 3:1-17
Paul gave Timothy a list of conditions that will exist in the lives of people in the last days.
1. People will be self-centered lovers of themselves.
2. They will be lovers of money.
3. They will be boastful and proud.
4. They will be abusive and disobedient to parents.
5. They will be ungrateful, unholy, unloving and unforgiving.
6. They will be slanderous, brutal, and without self-control,
7. They will be treacherous, rash and conceited.
8. They will be lovers of pleasure.
9. They will have a form of godliness but deny its power.
10. They will always be learning but never come to the knowledge of the truth.
11. They will be depraved and twisted in their thinking.
In view of this, Paul exhorted Timothy to remember the example Paul had lived before him, his teaching, his way of life, his faith, his patience and love his endurance in times of suffering and persecution and how God had rescued him from them all.
Paul tells Timothy that everyone who lives a godly life in Christ will experience times of difficulty and persecution, but the way to nourish and maintain spiritual confidence is to keep themselves grounded in the Word of God. Every part of scripture is God-breathed showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, and training us to live God’s way. The more one devours the Word of God, the more they will understand God’s commitment to use the things they go through to grow them into His likeness and to use them for His purpose.
Activity:
Write a note of praise to God for how He is using your experiences to grow you and to fulfill His purposes in your life.