2 Timothy 3 reminds me of a new twist to the expression about an optimist seeing the glass as half-full. The encouragers among us might say, “My job is to go around filling everyone’s glass!” Today’s lesson is about overcoming despair. Paul paints a realistic picture of the human condition. He begins with the end. Stating with certainty, “There will be terrible times in the last days”. Some react with fear, but for others this is a call to urgent action. Their response is to immediately start helping others prepare. Paul provides a lengthy description of the Last Days, when Christ returns to reclaim His beloved. Interestingly, he does not describe circumstances, but attitudes. He begins, “People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud…”. Most of us quickly spot negative traits in others but we are slow to notice them in ourselves. How do others see us? Paul continues, “abusive, disobedient… ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving”. These are more intimate words that impact those close to us the most. The list goes on; “slanderous, without self-control, brutal… treacherous, rash, conceited”. These are terms associated with power-hungry tyrants, perhaps describing the leadership in the end times. And finally, “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God… having a form of godliness but denying its power”. Hedonism is a form of self-worship. This person wears religion as a fashion accessory to appear spiritual. They hide behind sacred symbols while attacking and dividing. Their pride prevents any real personal reflection. Paul cautions the young pastor, “Have nothing to do with such people”. That is, do not trust them as counselors. My friend, who is filling your glass?
Paul seems to acknowledge these folks are with us today. He describes people that callously rip-off the most vulnerable. “They are the kind who worm their way into homes”. They use the church to find their prey. They target the trusting and use their access to “gain control over gullible women”. Paul notes that they might have an outward appearance of piety. They know the church lingo but they are “loaded down with sins”. These are the shameless repeat offenders who beg for forgiveness, but never change. Paul says they are “always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth”. He refers to Pharaoh’s magicians that opposed Moses, reminding us that there is a real spiritual battle also taking place. Many oppose any standards of righteousness, good and evil, heaven and hell. They reject sin and therefore reject God’s forgiveness. At some point, “their folly will be clear to everyone”.
Paul closes the chapter by raising the bar for Timothy to guard his reputation and protect the gospel of Jesus Christ from deceivers. “You… know all about my teaching”. He is not talking about the words, he is talking about the passion behind the words; “my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings… I endured”. Paul does not speak with regret, but with a solemn understanding that our trials forge compassion for others. He also has an unshakable faith, noting, every time, “the Lord rescued me”. He offers Timothy a new perspective; “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”. And at the same time, “evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived”. He is saying, do not be discouraged by them, but “continue in what you have learned”. How can a person of faith hold onto conviction? Paul says, “you know those from whom you learned it”. Biblical wisdom should continuously lead us toward peace with God. We are encouraged to individually read the Bible and apply it to ourselves first. Paul reminds us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”. Father, I ask you to fill me today to overflowing!