2 Timothy 3. Understand this, in the last days there will come times of difficulty (3:1). Paul warns Timothy that tough days are ahead. The challenge of living a godly life in an ungodly, secular world seems to persist throughout the centuries. The challenge is great because these two paths diverge – the godly walk after Jesus and grow in godliness; the ungodly do not walk after Jesus but instead seek their own desires and (as we learned in Romans 1) this leads to a downward spiral.

Paul lists out behaviors that characterize unbelievers in the last days. Which of these seem familiar to you in our world today?

People will be lovers of themselves [that is the root of the whole problem!],
lovers of money, 
boastful,
proud, 
abusive, 
disobedient to their parents, 
ungrateful,
unholy,
without love,
unforgiving,
slanderous,
without self-control,
brutal,
not lovers of the good, 
treacherous, 
rash,
conceited, 
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
having a form of godliness but denying its power (3:2-5).

Perhaps it’s the last one that stands out to me – having a form of godliness (looking good on the outside) but denying its power. Paul says, have nothing to do with such people…. they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone (3:9).

Then Paul encourages Timothy to stand strong one more time: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it (3:14).

Timothy is reminded to continue to study the scriptures, for by them we are to make our way through life. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (3:16-17).

As you think about the world around us and the proliferation of ungodliness, ask yourself if you spend enough time doing two things: (a) Studying the scriptures so that you are equipped and able to make good decisions, and (b) in the company of godly people who will encourage you to continue to stand strong and walk with Jesus. We need both things.