When I graduated from seminary, our commencement speaker took an unusual approach to the graduation speech. He congratulated us, of course, but then proceeded to tell us (winsomely and kindly) just how difficult ministry is. Because no matter how many books we had read or talks we had practiced giving, the hands-on ministry to real people in real, hard situations would be immensely challenging. Thankfully, God is on His throne, and we are never alone.
This is, essentially, Paul’s goal in the third chapter of 2 Timothy. He is writing to his protégé, a young pastor working in Ephesus, a city known for its prevalence of false religious teachers and its peoples’ propensity to follow them. And so Paul gives it to Timothy straight: hard times are coming.
The “last days” (2Timothy 3:1) Paul uses here is a phrase that Peter used in Acts 2 to describe the time after Jesus’s ascension, so this isn’t referring to some future time for Timothy but rather to the on-the-ground realities of his current ministry. It also applies to us, as we are still living in the last days awaiting Christ’s return. And so what can we expect? Hard times. Particularly in regards to preserving the truth of the gospel against false teachers.
I look at Paul’s list of characteristics, and I certainly see myself in some of those words. Likely we all do, but the point Paul is making is that when people (who as false teachers, claim Christ) are governed by those things instead of by the Word of God and a saving faith in Christ alone, we should beware. Why? Because each of those things in Paul’s list suggests a priority given to something other than Jesus Christ. The list builds on itself: first love of self, then money, which leads to pride, which leads to being ungrateful, which can lead to love and pursuit of pleasure over God, and ultimately denying the power of God in their lives. It is a gospel of self-control: if I can earn more, own more, have more fun, have more followers, then perhaps I don’t need Jesus.
Paul urges Timothy to stand in faith and truth when his flock begins to stray, and Paul uses his own experiences as an example in verses 10–11. But Paul gives God the credit for helping him stand firm and in doing so gives Timothy an example to follow. He gives us an example as well.
Living a godly life isn’t easy, but it is the one God calls us to. And God and his Word should be our north star, the source of our wisdom, and our roadmap for living. When false teachers or the temptations we face to pursue our pleasures over God come our way (which they will), we can cling to the example of Paul and Timothy, and the promises of God to rescue us.
Try uninstalling (deleting) the app and reinstalling. There might have been and upgrade that was missed.
I don’t think my hyperlink will be posted. It said awaiting moderation than disappeared.
The podcast I share my testimony with false teachers is called “Beyond Just Christian”
—
and th e episode is called “How the Scales Fell from My Eyes by Michelle Patire”
There are two episodes- part 1 & 2.
I hope my story helps people equip themselves in this war against trust.
♥️
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cDsKYYwvPEvgjWgeo5FXc?si=udep5fOpRsudpC4qYS4VAA&utm_source=native-share-menu
Here is the podcast of my testimony! There are two episodes. This is part 1.
When I read about false teachers, I’m reminded of my own story. (if you ladies are interested, I can link the podcast that shares my testimony). I was a new follower of Jesus. I had known Him most of my life, but when I moved to the city a few years ago, I was in hot pursuit of Him. But I also was with a group of friends who called themselves Christians, went to seminary, yet wrestled with doubts.
Some of these friends began engaging in things of the occult. All of them read books by teachers who maybe were once Christians but didn’t affirm the Word of God. People like Rob Bell, The Liturgists, Richard Rohr– these were some of my favorites. People who include the Bible in their teaching but don’t submit to Christ.
Anyways. So as a new follower, this confused me, as I began to read those books, too. I fell into the deep, deep, pit of New Age beliefs and very progressive Christianity. That taught Jesus wasn’t Lord, hell wasn’t real, and God is only love (not a judge who is full of wrath against evil). A heaviness was laid upon me and it took SO much prayer, confession, and time with the Lord to find freedom.
It’s only by God’s grace I engage on this website. He has plucked me out of the pit and put me in His green pasture.
I share this to say beware. Beware of the false teachers because they look like good people teaching good things. And maybe some of their teaching is good. But it is a slippery slope.
May God give us eyes to see and ears to hear the truth in all the lies.
@Lindsay Setters– I’m touched the Holy Spirit was allowing me to speak to you. May He continue to heal you and help you in your battle against living with for approval of man. May He set our eyes on Him and help us live free of this temptation.
Thank you Jesus for setting an example for me
Nothing can separate us from the love of God when we are in Christ. I have lived this truth. I pray that my life will be an encouragement to those who can’t see a way forward. When to step ahead will hurt. When to stay will hurt. When affliction seems too much to bear. I will grasp your hand and point your eyes toward Jesus, hurting on that cross, eyes full of love. How can it be that He stepped ahead each day knowing He would suffer and die on that terrible day, in that terrible way? He understood the love and mercy of His father. He was the God of Israel, and He came to us and for us. The power that is in His blood, is in ours who believe in Him. When I see the beauty of a river and the sound as it moves over the stones, or a waterfall with its misty rainbows, I am moved at a level so deep I can hardly contain the joy that wells up in me. This is what it feels like to love Jesus. This is what it feels like to be loved by God. I hold on there. Evil cannot penetrate my soul because I am held in the wings of the Creator. He is so good. I would not trade the pain I have experienced if it meant changing the intimacy with our Father now. I will not shrink from the hard things to come because I know I will conquer all with Him. Lord, lead us, not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. I know You will. I know You already have. I know You will come again to deliver us from every bit of darkness we see right now. In You there is life everlasting. And here now You have given us a love that binds us together in faith. May we hold strong and remind each other of Your promises as we wait for Your return. Until… Maranatha.
Today is my best friend’s grandmothers funeral. It is a sad day but we know she is with Jesus, her husband, and my best friend’s mom so we are comforted. Last night I was spending time with my best friends family and I felt an attack of the devil on my heart and mind. I have always felt a part of my best friend’s family, but I got hit with a wave of loneliness last night that made me uncomfortable and sad. I realize now it is an attack from the devil, so I’m glad I came and opened my Bible with you all this morning to fill my Word with God’s truth instead of lies. I wrote in my journal “Cling to the promises of God to rescue me” and will be clinging to those promises today as we mourn. I would appreciate your prayers ladies <3