1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,
4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—
5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
- P40
6They 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,
7always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.
- P41
This warning reminds us to be discerning so that we are not so easily deceived by those who act and appear godly while pursuing personal pleasure.- P42
After saying that some who oppose the gospel will hopefully come to their senses and repent, Paul also warns that many will continue to live in unholy and unloving ways. These people are prideful and selfish and will focus on their own desires rather than caring for others. Some of them may appear godly, but they do not truly believe in the power of God. Paul instructs Timothy to avoid them because of the harm they inflict on the community. - P42
Lord Jesus, thank you for the truth of Your Word. When I encounter people who seem godly, let Your Holy Spirit guide me so that I may discern those who truly represent You from those who oppose the truth and are motivated by selfish desires. In Your name I pray, amen.- P43
