Daily Thought

Timothy is warned of a great departure in ‘the last days’ and, while doubtless he saw many portents of this evil, surely the worst is yet to come; we should be on our guard. Verses 2 to 7 speak of the character and wickedness of these men as they are compared to the infamous Jannes and Jambres who so blatantly withstood Moses as he engaged in the struggle to lead the people of God in his day. How welcome to read the determination in verse 9, ‘But they shall proceed no further’! God will eventually say that enough is enough.

These are the sorts of men who continuously opposed Paul and spoke out against him as being weak, self-exalting, and having scant regard for God’s ancient chosen people. In verses 10 to 12 Paul defends himself from their fierce accusations mentioning his doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, and patience. He reminds Timothy that he had, for the Lord, endured persecutions and afflictions almost beyond belief at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra; we know of other places too where he was abused and attacked, but the great thing about this is his testimony that ‘out of them all the Lord delivered me’! It seems that while godliness and persecution may go hand in hand, and affect all believers, so too, even in worsening situations, the Lord is able to deliver His people for their personal safety and for His own glory.

For a young servant of God this may seem a frightening situation, but Timothy is exhorted to ‘continue’, v. 14, in the faith and in his service for the Lord, and through the good word of God to be throughly furnished unto good works in an evil world. How could he have the necessary confidence to continue? Because that from a child he had known the holy scriptures and these not only initially made him wise unto the salvation of his soul but constantly and strongly assured him, and others also, of divine protection and sustenance in service.

This chapter which commenced with dire warnings closes with delightful words as to the inspiration of all scripture and to its usefulness for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. May it become our constant resource.