Paul gives young Timothy a stern warning..."know this: difficult times will come in the last days." The first challenge Paul identifies is the superficial nature of the faith of many who claim to be Christians and enter the church. Add to to that the seductive nature of the false/deceived teachers who are motivated by evil desires (3:1–7). Before you get angry at them read though the list...it can be quite convicting! We must be careful to remove the plank from our own eye first...walking by repentance and faith. After removing the plank we should expect, not be surprised, to find PRETENDERS among the sheep. Jesus Himself told us that the tares will grow along with the wheat! I believe that the tares are deceived, but know that they are with us, don't let that surprise you. Don't be shocked to see someone who was only "holding to the form of religion but denying it power," do an evil act...we should expect it and be ready to shepherd the sheep through the trial!
God's Word could not be more clear than it is in 2 Tim 3:12, "all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." We should expect to face increasing persecution, as evil men “go from bad to worse” (8–14). Along with Timothy we are blessed to have a unique source of strength: the Scriptures given by God Himself. Praise God...the Scriptures contain everything needed to equip God’s people for every good work (15–17).
Every child of God should expect to face injustice, unrighteousness and evil in our culture and in our churches. What do you do when you are faced with injustice...with those that are unloving, traitors, reckless, conceited etc, (see 3:2-4). What do you do? Paul tells us very clearly!
What should you do? YOU know what I (Paul) teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. Know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 Know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. (Remain faithful to Jesus and the Word) You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work (2 Tim 3:10-17).
This reminds me of Peter's encounter with Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias. Three times Jesus asks Peter do you love me, with each affirmative response, Jesus instructs Peter to feed, tend, take care of the sheep...the basic instruction is to tend, care for and shepherd the sheep. As they continued walking Jesus is describing Peter's death to him and Peter turns and looks to John and says, "what about him?" Jesus basically rebukes Peter and says, "what is that to you? You, follow me."
John was not committing an injustice, but I believe that we can apply the principle here...regardless of your circumstances, you may be surrounded by evil and injustice...I believe Jesus words to us are "what is that to you? You, follow me." Regardless of what happens in the upcoming elections and regardless of what happens in our churches Jesus Word is the same...You, follow me."
Don’t let any circumstances or anyone undermine your confidence in God’s Word. Read Psalm 94 again...we see very clearly that God is a just judge...what did HE say? Vengeance is mine says the LORD.
Remember the Judgement Seat of Christ in 2 Cor chapter 5? I will be accountable to Jesus Christ for how I spent each day HE gave me! I will not be accountable for anyone but Mark! Regardless of your circumstances Jesus Word is clear..."what is that to you? You, follow me." We can be confident that HE has equipped us for every good work through HIS precious Word. Our aim and our passion to walk by faith and not by sight living in a manner to please CHRIST AND CHRIST ALONE!
love,
m