Page 78 - Pastoral Epistles I & 2 Timothy, Titus

Why do you think Pastors and Leaders are slow to confront sin in the church?

2 Timothy 3:1-17.

Someone has described the evening news on television as the program
where the announcer says, “Good evening,” and then proceeds to tell you
why it is not a good evening! Can you imagine an evening news program
that only ran the good news? “Three thousand planes took off and landed
as scheduled today, without any incidents. The economy seems to be doing
fine. No politicians were indicted for corruption today. Crime is down, and
all the churches have gathered together to pray for our country. Thanks for
joining us on the evening news!”
It would be a refreshing broadcast, but we all know it would not be realistic. Sticking our heads in the sand and
ignoring reality is not a helpful way to solve problems or to face the future. So as pessimistic as it may be, we
need to know the problems that we are up against so that they will not discourage and confuse us.
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul gives Timothy (and us) a dose of reality about the times in which we live. He warns us that
“there will be terrible times in the last days.”
What are some of the things in the world today that we could easily describe as (V1) terrible
times?
Do you think we are near the end of the world? Why?

Do you think your parents ever thought they were living in the last days?
What about your grandparents?

What is Paul talking about when he says the last days?
He is referring to the period of time between Christ’s ascension and His second coming. So, during this interim
period of the church age, there will be various times, some more intense than others, where the church will face
terrible, sometimes savage, opposition.

As we read through this long list of evil characteristics in V1-9, we probably think of the godless people who
never darken the door of a church. But then you come to V5, where Paul says that they “have a form of
godliness.” And suddenly, we realize he is talking about people inside the church.

He is describing professing Christians. Some are church leaders. They teach Bible studies. They’re not just quiet
members who just sit on the chairs, but those who are active in ministry. But their religion is just an empty shell.
They lack a relationship with Jesus. They may look good on the outside, but they are not godly people.
V5. Have nothing to do with such people.

How do we (V5) have nothing to do with such people and yet continue to be salt and light?
Matthew 5:13-16. Be salt and light.

Matthew 5:43-48. Love your enemies.
8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth.

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