For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:2–7
I recently read an article about the importance of keeping a watchful eye on children’s entertainment. The author shared programs he initially deemed reliable and safe for his family began to change over time. . .and not for the better. After a few seasons, inappropriate messages and themes, especially for small children, slowly crept in without warning. His message emphasized the importance of revisiting those programs regularly to ensure their appropriateness. I came across that article while studying 2 Timothy 3.
At the beginning of chapter three, Paul’s instructions to Timothy begin with a list of destructive personalities. He writes, “Avoid those people!” (v. 5). Why? Because “among them are those who will worm their way into households” (v. 6), distorting the truth and causing chaos.
The parallels between Paul’s first-century instruction and the article’s modern-day warning are remarkable—but not surprising. We can always depend on Scripture’s timeless and inspired wisdom.
This chapter presents a familiar tension, a paradox believers experience every day. How do we live in the world without being unduly influenced by the world? His words of warning include four prescriptions for managing this tension. They are just as relevant today.
-
Paul’s Discipleship (vv. 10–12): Paul expresses his wholehearted commitment to discipling Timothy and to being a living example for him to follow. Do some of your friends, mentors, and spiritual leaders exhibit that kind of example? Are those kinds of examples present in your social media environment?
-
Timothy’s Journey (vv. 14–15): Paul reminds Timothy of his rich and faithful family legacy. What a blessing! Not everyone can claim that kind of family heritage. Whether your life map is a crooked road or a straighter path, remember the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness over your life from the beginning until now.
-
Timothy’s Knowledge of the Scriptures (v. 15a): Timothy was blessed with knowing the Scriptures from infancy! This was essential in keeping him grounded as he lived and led within the Ephesian culture. Commit to follow his example by knowing the Word, knowing it well, and being guided by its wisdom as you live within your God-given culture.
-
The Gift of Salvation (v. 15b–17): Ultimately Timothy’s faith in Jesus Christ revealed the power and inspiration of the Word, making him complete and equipped for every good work. Remembering the gift of salvation helps you keep watch over how you live. Never forget the miracle of saving grace bestowed on you by our heavenly Father.
Not long ago, I had coffee with an old friend who was an important part of my early Christian life. We attended the same Bible study together in those formative years—a pair of Timothys studying under a wise and learned Paul. As we talked, I thought about my journey, my salvation, the blessing of discipleship, and the burning desire God placed in my heart to know the Scriptures. Perhaps the same desire led you, like me, to the doorstep of Dallas Theological Seminary.
Keep watch. Don’t let the world worm its way into your life. Take time to remember Paul’s prescriptions to help you stay “dedicated to God and equipped for every good work” (v. 17).
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 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. 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. 2 Timothy 3:14–17, ESV
Shirley Ralston (MACE, 2008) serves on the leadership team for the DTS-Houston Alumni Association. She is a writer, teacher, and pastor’s research team member at Houston’s First Baptist Church. She is also a founding member of the HFBC Missionary Care Team. Shirley and her husband, Jeff, reside in Houston after several years living in the Middle East and the South Pacific.