Moral Decline in the Last Days
2 Timothy 3, verse 1. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 Timothy 3, verse 2. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 2 Timothy 3, verse 3. unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 2 Timothy 3, verse 4. traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3, verse 5. having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3, verse 6. For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 2 Timothy 3, verse 7. always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3, verse 8. Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 2 Timothy 3, verse 9. but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
The Pastor's Defense Against Apostasy: Loyalty to Tradition
2 Timothy 3, verse 10. But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 2 Timothy 3, verse 11. persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 2 Timothy 3, verse 12. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Timothy 3, verse 13. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 2 Timothy 3, verse 14. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 2 Timothy 3, verse 15. and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3, verse 16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3, verse 17. that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.