Chapter 3
Themes, discussion questions, Christ connections, and denomination lenses.
Just read this chapter →Scripture
KJV1This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Overview
Paul warns that in the last days perilous times will come as people become lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, proud, and having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof. He contrasts these with Timothy's faithful following of Paul's teaching, manner of life, and persecutions, assuring him that all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. He affirms that all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.
Key Themes
Perilous Times and the Last Days
The last days will be marked by extreme self-love, moral corruption, and a superficial religion that has the form of godliness but denies its power.
The Cost of Godly Living
All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, making faithful endurance an expected and honored aspect of the Christian life.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
All scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, fully equipping the man of God for every good work.
Study Questions
How do the characteristics of the last days described in verses 1-5 compare with what you observe in society?
What does it mean to have 'a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof' (v. 5)?
How does Paul's promise that 'all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution' (v. 12) prepare you?
What does it mean that 'all scripture is given by inspiration of God' (v. 16)?
How does Scripture make the man of God 'throughly furnished unto all good works' (v. 17)?
Connection to Christ
Timothy has known the holy scriptures from childhood, and Paul declares that they 'are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus' (v. 15). All Scripture points to Christ and finds its purpose in leading people to saving faith in Him.
Personal Reflection
Take time to journal or meditate on what God is teaching you through 2 Timothy 3. How can these truths transform your thinking and actions today?