Do not let COVID-19 stress you out. Fear is the factor being used by the media and all involved. Stand tall my friends.
Todays scripture comes from 2 Timothy chapter 3, which talks about the dangers of the last days. Here is the scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-9. Here is the audio of 2 Timothy 3.
Paul tells Timothy that is the last days there will be terrible times. The last days refers to the time Jesus left the earth and is continuing today. However, as we study you will see that we are seeing more and more predictions coming true.
Paul, here, is talking about people enjoying the things of the world MORE than worshipping God. Why? Because it is easier to enjoy the pleasures of life and it is something we can control. We have no control over God, plus, we enjoy the pleasures of life whereas love for GOD requires effort and sometimes sacrifice.
Read verses 2 through 4: 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
Read this and absorb Paul's words, then read the last line in blue. Look at the self-centered list and then the last line. Yet, we will be caught in this snare and if not careful will be pulled in.
Okay, now read carefully verses 6 through 8: 6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannis and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.
These people "LOOK" to be religious by going to the church, Sunday School, knowing doctrine, using Christian cliches, and following traditions. There outer appearance is "Christian" whereas their inner self is far from God.
Then you say what about the women, why does it say this? In this cultural background the women had not place in the church, no formal religious training. However, they enjoyed their new freedom to study Christian truths and being motivated to learn more now made them a great target for false teachers. Paul is warning Timothy to watch out for these people who would take advantage of these women.
Who are Jannis and Jambres? You will not find them by name in the Bible. Jewish traditions in the Targums preserve other legendary lore about the pair. They are called the sons of Balaam, the unwitting non-Jewish prophet of Peor. When Moses had Aaron cast his rod down and became a snake, these two did the same. They were Pharaoh's magicians.
Paul is explaining that just as Moses had exposed and defeated these men, so will God overthrow the false teachers who were plaguing the church at Ephesus AND us today. Very interesting that Paul is telling us about our lives today 2000 years ago. Take heed my friend. Be aware and stay vigilante. Thanks for reading. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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