2 Timothy 3

Paul warns that “in the last days there will come times of difficulty,” when people will be “lovers of self, lovers of money... lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.” Timothy is to avoid such people. In contrast, Timothy has followed Paul’s teaching, conduct, and sufferings, and knows that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” while “evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse.” He is to continue in what he has learned and firmly believed, knowing from childhood “the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” For “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”