II Timothy 3 to Grads

I recently put this passage, II Timothy 3, and these ideas before the 2023 SSB HS Graduates:

Be wise!  

3:13, But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

And

3:1, But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:

AND 

3:5, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

TURN AWAY!

What marks the people to be rejected or avoided?

3:2-4, lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

AND, they might even claim to be Christians and even believers but wayward! They have a form of godliness but deny its power!  They are church people and/or have believing parents BUT their belief is of the head, not the heart!  Be wise!!

from such people turn away! 

What is one to do?

I. Remember your up-bringing – your roots!

II. Put your nose in the book to not just read and learn but to let it change and guide you!

I.  Remember:

3:14-15, But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

1. Continue in what taught
2. Follow the example of those who mentored you at home and church
3. Remember the Bible stories and truths.
4. Remember your claim to be a disciple of Jesus – your salvation
5. Are you saved by faith? This is a valid question!  Are you surely saved by faith and faith alone?

II. Be a Serious student of the Bible!

3:16-17, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

1. The Bible is God’s Word to men – to you!
2. The Bible gives principles for living right, correcting wrongs and understanding the world
3. God’s will is that a person be wise and strong – be mature!
4. God’s will is that His people be faithful servants – be serving!

And a reminder: living for Jesus will bring trials but God can and does deliver!

3:10-12, But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.