2 Timothy 3
Ministry in the Last Days
3:1 But understand this, that in the last days difficult1 times will come. 3:2 For people2 will be lovers of themselves,3 lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3:3 unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, 3:4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God. 3:5 They will maintain the outward appearance4 of religion but will have repudiated its power. So avoid people like these.5 3:6 For some of these insinuate themselves6 into households and captivate weak women7 who are overwhelmed with sins and led along by various passions. 3:7 Such women are always seeking instruction,8 yet never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 3:8 And just as Jannes and Jambres9 opposed Moses, so these people – who have warped minds and are disqualified in the faith10 – also oppose the truth. 3:9 But they will not go much further,11 for their foolishness will be obvious to everyone, just like it was with Jannes and Jambres.12
Continue in What You Have Learned
3:10 You, however,13 have followed my teaching, my14 way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance, 3:11 as well as the persecutions and sufferings15 that happened to me in Antioch,16 in Iconium, and in Lystra.17 I endured these persecutions and the Lord delivered me from them all. 3:12 Now in fact all who want to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 3:13 But evil people and charlatans will go from bad to worse,18 deceiving others and being deceived themselves.19 3:14 You, however, must continue20 in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know21 who taught you22 3:15 and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 3:16 Every scripture23 is inspired by God24 and useful for teaching, for reproof,25 for correction, and for training in righteousness, 3:17 that the person dedicated to God26 may be capable27 and equipped for every good work.