Continuing

          We have heard a lot of comments about this year. One person's advice was to not watch the news and to stay off of the bathroom scale. Both of those things might be the cause of depression. It is because we see the actual facts of Second Timothy 3:1-5 being lived out in our lifetime more than it has ever been. It was true in the days of Paul and Timothy and it has spread into our culture as well. Much has been said about the first five verses of this particular chapter and examples of every trait can be found in the morning or evening news cast. Paul continues with some more facts about the condition of the world. Second Timothy 3:10-14 says, “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;” 

          Paul gave testimony of what had happened to him almost 2,000 years ago. Could history be repeating itself? He mentioned that things were going to get worse but then expressed what we are to do. This is important for us today. Paul said, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and has been assured of...” As dark as the opening verses of chapter three may be, the chapter ends with the famous verse that speaks of the inspiration of God's Holy Word. Paul went on to say that Timothy had been taught the Word of God by both his mother and his grandmother. This is another lesson for us that we, as parents and grandparents, need to be teaching the Word of God to our family members. Paul then concluded the chapter with verses sixteen and seventeen. You may have the first five verses of this chapter memorized because you can see it taking place in every generation. It is gradually getting worse and worse. As always, however, there is the “but” that comes when God steps in. Paul's advice to Timothy is our advice today. He is speaking to us and reminding us to continue in the things that we have learned and been assured of. We are to remember the promise of Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Praise God today for His promises from His Word.