Keys of Truth: Second Timothy (Chapter 3)

1) We must understand this: the last days will be very difficult and violent.
2) This is the reason why: people will only love themselves and their money; they will brag, be arrogant and use abusive language; children will curse their parents, be unthankful, and have no respect for what is holy.
3) People will lack normal affection for their families. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will insult each other, and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is godly.
4) They will betray their friends, be reckless and full of pride (conceited); loving pleasures more than they love God.
5) They will appear godly and religious; however, they will reject God’s power that makes us godly. Stay away from people like that!
6) These ungodly people find ways to become a part of your life, gaining your confidence, taking advantage of your weakness (openness and vulnerability) and guilt of sin that comes from being controlled by all kinds of desires.
7) Such people easily embrace any new teaching, but they are never able to understand or recognize the truth.
8) The teachers of these new ideas oppose the truth of God’s word; having corrupt minds and teaching a faith that is counterfeit.
9) However, these false teachers will not be able to do this much longer; soon everyone will recognize their teachings are stupid.
10) We must remember the teaching that we receive from God’s word. We will then understand our purpose in life; come to a true faith, having patience and love with endurance.
11) We will suffer and be persecuted because we desire to witness and live godly lives. However, God will be with us and rescue us if necessary.
12) Everyone who wants to live godly will be singled out and treated badly.
13) But evil people and false teachers and preachers will go from bad to worse as they mislead people, being misled themselves.
14) We must remain faithful to the principles we have been taught, knowing that they are truth. We know our Pastor and those that teach us.
15) Some of us have heard the Word of God from our childhood. The Word of God is powerful and gives us wisdom so that we can be saved through faith in Christ Jesus.
16) All scripture is inspired by God; useful for teaching, pointing out errors, correcting and training us for a life that has God’s approval. God’s word teaches us what is true, helping us realize what is wrong in our lives.
17) God uses His Word to completely prepare and equip us to do every good work; enabling us to do good things.