Second Timothy 3:1-5 is a powerful description that can describe almost any generation and nation of this world. Are we truly in the last days as described, given that it so clearly encompasses many eras of the past and the present? We are currently experiencing difficult times in almost every corner of the earth. These passages from the New Testament, written by the Apostle Paul, were written after the death of Jesus Christ.
Paul writes to Timothy about people’s inclination to seek evil. They have a natural affection for themselves and not for others. Paul told Timothy not to be surprised by false teachers. There will be evil people within the church. We see this today as men of God are arrested for unspeakable crimes within the church, from stealing to assaulting women and children. The Holy Spirit does not live within them. They have lost their way if they were ever believers in the word of God. Let’s review 2 Timothy 3:1-5 commentary on hope in perilous times.
Yes, there is hope in the midst of this because God’s word never returns to him empty. It will accomplish His purpose. It will always succeed as God intended it to. Therefore, there is always hope in the Holy Scriptures from the Old Testament to the New Testament through works. With knowledge of the truth, we can do the good work God has prepared for us. The power of godliness will surpass all the evil people in the world. Love covers all sins. The following verses share the power of God’s promises, purpose, and His love for His people.
So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11 ESV
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8 ESV
Second Timothy 3:1-5 ESV
Godlessness in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1)
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 Timothy 3:1
I believe we entered the last days upon Christ Jesus’ death. Jesus told us there would be trouble, but He has overcome the world. We must concentrate on sharing the word and His love with others. Therefore, we are to forgive, share burdens, be hospitable, giving, and supportive. We start with our families, dear friends, church family, nonbelievers, and our enemies.
In these last days, we should be sharing the gospel in person or online. We must demonstrate Jesus’s love by doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. We should also forgive and love ourselves because there will be many difficult people we will encounter who will try to drain us of our true faith and our hope. Therefore, let God pour his love into us through the Holy Spirit.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 ESV
and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:5 ESV
Lovers Of Their Own Selves (2 Timothy 3:2)
For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3:2
Let’s unpack some of these descriptions.
Lovers of Self
Satan wants us to believe that we should place ourselves above all others. He will convince many to be lovers of their own selves, or they are suckers and losers. It is a false narrative to believe that others are always out to get you or take from you. However, it is the easiest lie for us to believe because Mankind is constantly thinking of itself above others. It is the most natural thing for us to focus on.
However, others are not always here to take something away from you. We do not live in a zero-sum society. Helping others does not take from you but enriches you. I believe we can never outgive God because He will always provide more than we have given away. Besides, our faith requires that we rely on Him to provide for our every need, even when we give our last to others.
love
Loving God and loving others are the two most important commandments from God. They are required of Christians, but many still struggle to give to others in uncertain times. We worry about tomorrow and more tomorrows. God calls us to live in the day. God wants us to live in His world while we are in the world. Therefore, our focus should be on things above and not things of this world.
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:21 ESV
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 ESV
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 ESV
And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ Mark 12:30 ESV
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 ESV
“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthews 6:34 ESV
Lovers of Money, Proud, And Arrogant
When men value money over everything in the world, it is because of their pride and arrogance. Money makes them believe that they are above others. They lose empathy and compassion. They will do anything to keep the money that they love so much. Many will lie, cheat, and steal to hold on to the power and position that comes from having a great deal of money.
The love of money will consume them. Their passion for their fortune makes them become men of corrupt minds. In their greed, they have lost the inspiration of God. It is not because God has left them, but they have left God. The love of money is the root of all evil. You cannot serve two masters. We cannot serve both God and money.
Idolatry
Hence, the love of money is just an idol. Money will never satisfy the longing for God. It cannot replace living a Godly life for Jesus. A life that will lead to everlasting life. Maintaining life from an abundance of wealth without doing any good for God’s kingdom will leave you unsatisfied. It is a life devoid of God’s love, God’s wisdom, and God’s power. It will be an empty shell of a life filled with the challenges of the world without heavenly help. Christians should guard their hearts against coveting money. We are called to be content with what we have. Life is more than the abundance of wealth.
Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. Proverbs 21:4 ESV
Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16 :5 ESV
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10 ESV
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 ESV
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24 ESV
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESV
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15 ESV
Abusive
Lovers of self and money will abuse others to maintain power. They will swindle many out of their hard-earned money. They will perpetrate the greatest frauds to increase their wealth. It will be one new scam after another to separate you from your money. They will smear your good name to draw attention from their many awful deeds. There is no love for others, only hate.
Lovers of self and money will spread malicious gossip about anyone they perceive as a threat or out of jealousy. These individuals are characterized by pride, arrogance, conceit, and disorderliness. They will find all kinds of ways to abuse you to make your life as miserable as theirs. Sometimes this abuse can be subtle, such as gaslighting, snide remarks, or passive-aggressive treatment. Misery always loves company. Therefore, you should make every effort to avoid them.
Temporary Behavior
However, their abusive behavior is temporary, and they will not inherit the everlasting kingdom of God. Jesus will judge them for their many acts of abuse. You, on the other hand, should pray to God for relief for yourself. God will make a way for you to escape this situation. God can save and will provide a way.
nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:10 ESV
For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians 12:20 ESV
Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Romans 2:3 ESV
For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us. Isaiah 33:22 ESV
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Disobedient to Their Parents
God counts disobedience to one’s parents as sin. It is against the Ten Commandments to dishonor your parents. It is the only commandment with a promise. This promise of a long life will not be kept. We honor our parents by showing them respect. We respect their privacy, appreciate their wisdom, and forgive their mistakes. Hence, we express gratitude for all they have done for us while raising us. We love them by caring for them with help and support. Finally, we communicate with them honestly regarding various aspects of our lives. We know that they love us by the care and love they provide and will continue to provide.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12 ESV
For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ Matthew 15:4 ESV
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Proverbs 19:20 ESV
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, Proverbs 1:8 ESV
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Timothy 5:8 ESV
Ungrateful and Unholy
Being ungrateful starts with feeling entitled to something rather than seeing it as a blessing from God. It is unholy to believe that everything we have and have achieved is based only on ourselves. With this thinking, we are removing ourselves from God. However, God has promised never to leave us. The Holy Spirit is with us everywhere we go.
He is with us even as we go through hard times, sickness, or loss. This is not the time to walk away from God. This is the time to draw near so that He can draw near to your broken heart. God can change an ungrateful and unholy heart back to Him. When you reject God’s promises, you reject Him. You lash out at others and feel that only you can accomplish for yourself what God cannot or will not. You have walked away from your first love.
I know it is not always easy to walk in the ways of the Lord when we are crushed in our spirit. This is when we should lean on God and use our trials and tests as a testimony to help others. We are asked to love our enemies and treat them kindly, regardless of how we are feeling. To show them compassion and empathy that we receive from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
God’s Mercy
God will not ask for more than we can give, but will reward us for this great kindness to others. It is through us that God wishes to reach the unsaved, so we do not become ungrateful and unholy. We must show mercy because our Heavenly Father is merciful. This is the way to move from being ungrateful and unholy.
The Lord bless you and keep you; Numbers 6:24 ESV
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 ESV
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Luke 6:35 ESV
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 ESV
Paul’s Description Of Evil Men (2 Timothy 3:3-4)
heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:3-4
This is Paul’s description of the hearts of evil men who lack the fear of God. These people are led by their own will. They have no regard for following the verses within the Bible. They are right in their own eyes and far from God. Only we can separate ourselves from God by living an unrighteous life. Therefore, we reject God by our poor behavior. There is no remorse or repentance. Evil men have no heart for God; they cannot be appeased, they slander everyone who disagrees with them, and cannot satisfy their every whim. They lack self-control and will spin out of control with the smallest provocation.
Men with evil hearts are brutal in their dealings with others. Everything is transactional because they must get something for nothing or in return for something. Be very wary in doing business with them because they are treacherous and reckless with money and property. They would sooner file for bankruptcy or skip town rather than pay what they owe. They only think of themselves and their pleasure. God never enters their mind unless they can use religion for gain or to deceive. The devil is their master because they make a practice of sinning.
The Devil Is A Liar
The devil comes to rob and steal, and he uses these people for the sole purpose of inflicting as much hurt as they can. He is a liar and the father of these sinners. The Spirit warns that many will choose to follow the devil rather than God. They have fallen for his lies. Hence, Christians must always be mindful of the devil’s schemes. He is our adversary and lives to destroy the followers of Jesus. Never allow the devil to tempt us to sin. Keep your eyes on the Lord for your salvation.
The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice. Proverbs 17:23 ESV
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 ESV
You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44 ESV
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 1 Timothy 4:1 ESV
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV
and give no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:27 ESV
My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net. Psalm 25:15 ESV
Avoid The Ungodly People (2 Timothy 3:5)
having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:5
This form of godliness is evil. These types of people want you to believe they are godly. They are like the Pharisees in the New Testament. Ungodly people do a small measure of kindness, but they are doing as much evil behind your back to undermine your salvation. They want you to question whether you are a good Christian. For a period of time, they will try to manipulate you into doing what they want. If you cannot or do not want to, they begin abusing you for not doing what they want.
It can be a snide remark, backstabbing comments to others, lies about you, or sharing personal information told in confidence. If you have not lost all respect for them at this point, they will play victim and guilt you into coming back. This cycle of manipulation and mental abuse never stops. They do not know any other way to behave to maintain control over you or their situation. This is not love, this is destruction.
Therefore, you should make every effort to avoid them. There is nothing wrong with avoiding people who live to make your life unbearable. If they are a relative, you can love them from a distance. You can want good things for them, to encourage them, to wish them well, but maintain a respectable distance. You do not get too involved in their daily life, but have a bird’s-eye view from a distance. There is nothing wrong with getting information second-hand. Using text and Messenger can help keep them at a distance. If you must talk, keep the conversation short and impersonal.
Separation
God is a great believer in separations. When God gathers all nations, he plans to separate the sheep from the goats. The angels will separate the evil from the righteous. God wants us to have peace, and we cannot have peace if our lives are filled with evil people. Therefore, if there is strife between you and another person, it is okay to separate yourself from this person.
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. Proverbs 16:28 ESV
The wicked watches for the righteous and seeks to put him to death. Psalm 37:32 ESV
Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25:32 ESV
So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous Matthew 13:49 ESV
But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 1 Corinthians 7:15 ESV
And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, Acts 15:39 ESV
Hope Comes From Us
The good news is that there is hope. These evil days and people will not consume us. This time period will not last forever. The second coming of Jesus will right all the wrongs. There will be a new Earth and a New Heaven. Jesus, seated at the right hand of God, will rule this new Earth and Heaven. We must keep our focus on Jesus. Each day, we get a new chance to receive God’s mercy.
Before we came to know Christ Jesus, we were foolish, disobedient, and easily led astray. We were slaves to our passions and pleasures. We were filled with malice, envy, and hatred for others. However, by the grace of God, we were saved. Our focus should be on being hospitable, lovers of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, Ephesians 2:4 ESV
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. Titus 3:3 ESV
but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. Titus 1:8 ESV
Recap of 2 Timothy 3:1-5 Commentary On Hope In Perilous Times
The warnings of the last days show us what life can look like even when we are in the midst of perilous times. We will encounter these evil people on a daily basis. These passages should serve as a reminder of what we should be aware of when dealing with sinful people. We should have compassion and empathy for them and show kindness for our salvation through the good works given to us by God. However, if their evil ways are directed towards us, we should avoid them. God allows us to separate from these people so that we can have peace. We can rely on God to see us through these trials and tribulations.
Our God is good, and he is mighty to save. The prophecy of scripture is not without hope. Our hope can be found in Jesus because we know how this story ends. Hence, evil people will be judged and will spend eternity in hell with the devil. Thanks be to God that the victory is ours. We serve a God who gives us victory through Jesus Christ.
The word “give” is a present tense that means God is actively working now to give us victory. Not one time, but pouring out victory in our lives. It is a victory over all our sins every day and a victory over death. There will be eternal life after death because all our sins have been forgiven because of Jesus. Amen.
in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began Titus 1:2
Additional Reading…
Bible Verses For When Hopeless To Feel Hope
The Bible And The Verses Of Peace
What The Bible Says About Pride