Thoughts on 2 Timothy 3
The ‘last days’ will be difficult. Knowing about it beforehand does not make it less difficult, but it does help us be prepared and not be surprised when it happens.
Paul gives a list of negative characteristics of people in the last days – some obvious, some subtle – and gives a simple command, “Avoid such people.”
Two characteristics that made me think: “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.”(v.5) and “always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth.” (v.7)
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
2 Timothy 3:12 ESV
http://bible.com/59/2ti.3.12.esv
We shouldn’t be surprised when persecution comes. On the contrary, we should be alarmed when there is no persecution. Jesus himself said that his followers will be persecuted.
A note of caution : we should be careful on what situations we use the word – the denial of some luxuries or trivial matters is not persecution.
What should we do when we are persecuted? By Paul’s example in v.11 – we are to endure, and trust in the Lord. God will deal with the persecution according to His perfect will. In Christ, things will get better. Without Christ, things will go from bad to worse.
So, in spite of circumstances, continue learning, continue growing, continue serving. Let God’s Word be your guide.