2 Timothy 3:1-9
Today's Passage: 2 Timothy 3:1-9
This passage reminds me of Colossians 3 where Paul describes “putting off” the old self. It is a long list of entangling sins that we are to strive to put to death. As you already read (or will read) through these, did any of them stir up a level of conviction for you?
It’s really easy to read these passages and think of other people who fit these categories, but what about you? Do you see yourself in there more than you want to? I do at times. This can’t just be a “well that’s THEIR problem” mentality but rather a “God help me as I fight against these too” mentality.
Here’s the strong Pauline exhortation in the passage: not only are we to not engage in them ourselves, but we are also to avoid those who do (v. 5). “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” certainly applies here as we know in the last days this will get more and more prevalent. Being unstained and uncorrupted is a high ask in the scriptures, and the influence of those close to us play a major role in that.
In the end, Paul says this will become a public thing. There is no hiding our allegiances. Just as Moses’ opponents serve as a generational reminder, “they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all” (v. 9)
Is there a specific thing mentioned here that you need to continually put to death? How can you conform into the image of Jesus by resisting such things?
Are there people who engage in these habitually and without repentance that you need to distance yourself from because you feel the influence weighing heavily on your spiritual growth? What steps can you take even now to heed Paul’s instruction and “avoid these people?”
As you do, pray for your holiness. As you do, pray for their salvation. As you do, pray for gospel-conversations to happen so you might share the hope of Christ. May the black hole of darkness in our world not be found to suck us in, but may we remain uncorrupted and faithful to Christ as best as we can by the power of His Holy Spirit, all the way to the end.
God, please help us as we try.
Written By: Drew Dukes
This passage reminds me of Colossians 3 where Paul describes “putting off” the old self. It is a long list of entangling sins that we are to strive to put to death. As you already read (or will read) through these, did any of them stir up a level of conviction for you?
It’s really easy to read these passages and think of other people who fit these categories, but what about you? Do you see yourself in there more than you want to? I do at times. This can’t just be a “well that’s THEIR problem” mentality but rather a “God help me as I fight against these too” mentality.
Here’s the strong Pauline exhortation in the passage: not only are we to not engage in them ourselves, but we are also to avoid those who do (v. 5). “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future” certainly applies here as we know in the last days this will get more and more prevalent. Being unstained and uncorrupted is a high ask in the scriptures, and the influence of those close to us play a major role in that.
In the end, Paul says this will become a public thing. There is no hiding our allegiances. Just as Moses’ opponents serve as a generational reminder, “they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all” (v. 9)
Is there a specific thing mentioned here that you need to continually put to death? How can you conform into the image of Jesus by resisting such things?
Are there people who engage in these habitually and without repentance that you need to distance yourself from because you feel the influence weighing heavily on your spiritual growth? What steps can you take even now to heed Paul’s instruction and “avoid these people?”
As you do, pray for your holiness. As you do, pray for their salvation. As you do, pray for gospel-conversations to happen so you might share the hope of Christ. May the black hole of darkness in our world not be found to suck us in, but may we remain uncorrupted and faithful to Christ as best as we can by the power of His Holy Spirit, all the way to the end.
God, please help us as we try.
Written By: Drew Dukes
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