Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it. (v. 14)
We live in a world of spam—junk emails, scam phone calls, and conniving social media messages. Some may try to rob you of your money, character, and peace. Others may just want to use you, your information and influences, or your contacts. The first half of our reading today warns against the way people are pulled into sin and the many ways sin stains their characters.
Unfortunately, this kind of corruption also sometimes comes from people claiming to be Christians. Paul characterized these bad teachers as “lovers of self, lovers of money . . . rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (vv. 2-5). Jesus named them as ferocious wolves in the skin of sheep (Matt. 7:15). It takes wisdom to see through the false promises of false prophets.
As believers, we are called to something better, and Paul tells Timothy the way—following good teaching from trusted teachers (2 Tim. 3:10) and studying the Scriptures (vv. 15-17). Watch out and be alert to the danger from within as much as from outside. About these false teachers, Jesus said, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ” (Matt. 7:22-23 NIV).
As you pray, ask God to give you wise teachers and fellow believers, and protect the church from false teachers.
About the Author
Words of Hope’s South Asia Ministry field leader is based in India and works with more than 70 team members sharing the hope of the gospel in more than 20 languages. Because of security concerns, we have chosen not to share his name.
