Endure: Men of the World: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

As we read 2 Timothy 3:1-9, we see the Apostle Paul telling Timothy to spend some extra time gaining a better understand of what exactly he is up against today, where Satan is still prowling, the world is still fallen, and sin is still kicking.

This chapter enters a new intensity as Paul has spent the past two chapters emphasizing the sort of man of God Timothy ought to be. One who knows truth, cherishes truth, shares truth, and studies truth. One who was willing to faithfully endure in the ministry even if it costs him his reputation, his freedom, or even his life. One who didn’t get dragged into foolish controversies and the lies of false teaching that was so common in the day. And now that we get to Chapter 3, Paul grabs Timothy by the shoulders, looks him right in the eyes and says, “Son, I want you to truly understand what it’s like out there so you can know how you are supposed to be when under pressure.” When the world is crashing down on you, when it feels no one else is there with you, how will you keep your wits about you? Paul tells Timothy, by knowing the truth and by knowing the tricks of the opposing side, you will not succumb to them.

This too is Paul’s call to us, that we need clarity on how the enemy in the world operates so we can minister and live effectively.