Enduring the Chaos

Lisel Cain

Central Truth

We are equipped with the Word of God so that our actions and opinions will not be directed by the world but by God.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Godlessness in the Last Days

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom^{1

3:14
The Greek for whom is plural} you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God^{2

3:17
That is, a messenger of God (the phrase echoes a common Old Testament expression)} may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Footnotes

[1] 3:14 The Greek for whom is plural
[2] 3:17 That is, a messenger of God (the phrase echoes a common Old Testament expression)

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As a mom of two toddlers, I am in the thick of tantrums. Sound familiar to anyone? The kids will work themselves up so much that I have to get down on their level, hold them, and remind them that everything will be all right. It's chaos, until it's not. When I read this chapter, I'm reminded that sometimes God does the same thing for us. He knows the world is chaos right now. But in His loving provision, He's given us a way to navigate the hard times we face.

In 2 Timothy 3:1-9 Paul depicts people rejecting God, hurting one another, and twisting the Word of God. As believers, we can face the difficult times with confidence in Christ's victory (Romans 3:23-25), knowing our hope, forgiveness, and eternity are with Jesus.

What Paul shares, though, is a world where self and pleasure are the main religion. This is our world today, as individuals have chosen the priority of "goodliness" rather than "godliness." In our pride and arrogance, we have engaged in arguments over masks, vaccines, and politics, while putting more confidence in things of this world than in the power of God. We have allowed for our divisive opinions to direct our use of the Word rather than allowing the Word to shape our opinions.

Clarity comes from the Word and the way we use it to direct our lives. Second Timothy 3:10-15 tells us to center ourselves on Jesus—not to just know the truth, but to be transformed by it.

"Follow my teaching." Paul was rich in God's Word and followed His teaching.
"Follow my conduct . . . faith, patience, and steadfastness." Paul's conduct was to suffer for the gospel with joy, peace, and endurance that came from a life abiding in Christ.
"Follow my aim in life." Paul's aim was to serve and proclaim Jesus as Savior.

In the final verses, Paul reminds us we are equipped and emboldened by the Word. It is a gift so that we may teach, reprove, correct, and train ourselves and others when the world is clouded by sin.

1. Do you have confidence in Christ's victory over your sin and the darkness of the world? (Romans 3:23-25)

2. How much of your week is spent dwelling in God's Word? Are you spending more time on social media, fueling yourself with worldly desires and opinions?

3. What would people say is your conduct in the midst of hard times? Are you kind and hopeful? Do you have peace no matter the outcome?

4. What is your aim in life? Do you proclaim the gospel more than anything else? More than your political party, your healthy lifestyle, or your parenting style?