Slaying our Secret Sloth Pt 4-10 Habitual disinclination to exertion © 2021 WF Cobb Truthbase.net  DailyTruthbase.blog

V. Spiritual Sloths do not follow Christ nor imitate Paul, but selfishly sleep-crawl to temporal and eternal loss

A. Refuse to: listen/obey/seek wisdom 1:24; rcv correction/repent Jer 5:3; know God 9:6, hear His words 11:10; & stopped ears Zech 7:11 

A. Refuse to: listen/obey/seek wisdom 1:24; rcv correction/repent Jer 5:3;

             know God Jer 9:6, hear His words 11:10; & stopped ears Zech 7:11 

Pr 21:25 Desire/craving of the slothful/lazy kills him; for his hands refuse to labor.

            26 covets all day but the righteous give generously

Pr 26:14 As the door turns upon his hinges, so does the slothful upon his bed.

                                                [activity w/o progress nor accomplishment]

Pr 26:16 Sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than 7 men that can render a reason.

                                                [irrational conceit/pride; more hope for fool 26:12]

A1. Difficult time w/ initiative;

relies on others to tell what to do; all talk-no walk Pr 14:23 In all hard labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.

distracted {thorns} by pleasure/entertainment; unwilling to get dirty/work hard.

            no genuine accomplishment/joy;

            bumps up cx difficulty/resistance all motivation vanishes; relapse

Refuses to face hard tasks; cowardly lyon excuses; indecision options?tension,

Netflix opiate take mind off the work before them. Derek Brown

A2. Leads to anxiety and restlessness

'cz living contrary Creation purpose?perpetual state of craving w/o fulfillment 13:4 kills [hith]      

Easily overwhelmed/rushing, undependability ruins trust rlshps;

inability to discipline time, shun distraction, work hard.

May desire to grow spiritually, but the disciplines of regular Bible reading/study, prayer, church commitment, gospel rlshps are just too hard to bear 

Little to offer others. Unproductive, unfocused, concerned about self more than others, cx fruit of HS

 the sluggard drives employers nuts and won’t survive long in any environment that requires diligence and self-denial. cx Col 3

Ultimately, in same class as a thief and vandal   Pr 18:9 slothful = brother of great destroyer

A3. Self-centered deception {sign of satan}

has little basis in reality/Bible; opposes any arguments/critique.

In every case, the sluggard will walk in and out of conversations with counselors

             convinced he/she is smarter/wiser than them all seven of them: 26:16

Thus not wield much influence. not become a leader,

for leadership requires diligence, sacrifice, long hours, pain, and perseverance.

The sluggard despises these qualities, so he will labor under the yoke/whip of those who have devoted themselves to hard work:   

Pr 12:24 The hand of the diligent will rule/dominion, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor

Streams 10/3 His voice is for the ear of love,

                          and love is intent upon hearing even faintest whispers.

There comes a time also when love ceases to speak if not responded to, or believed in.

He is love, and if you would know Him and His voice, give constant ear to His gentle touches.

In conversation, when about to utter some word, give heed to that gentle voice, mind the check and refrain from speech

B. Jesus' example is rising early to affirm His purpose; seeking Father's will & work, setting His face like flint to finish His work

Lk 2:49 Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?

Mk 1:35 in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight,

                        He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

Jn 4:34 Jesus said to them, My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work

Jn 9:4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day;

                                                the night is coming when no one can work.

Lk 9:51 when the time had come for Him to be received up,

            that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem

Lk 12:19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself,

'you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!'

20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night.

            Then who will get everything you worked for?’

DTB 12:13-21 A request for Jesus to make someone share the inheritance results in a rebuke of covetousness, and the famous passage that our life is more than the accumulation of stuff.

The rich fool exemplifies the thinking and fate of those who think this world is all there is. They have exchanged their life for things which will burn, rather than God's riches (bad economics).

Lk 12:21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth

                                                but not have a rich relationship with God.”

22 Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said: That is why I tell you not to worry

            about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.

23 For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.

24 Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them.   And you are far more valuable to Him than any birds!

            25 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

26 If worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

27 Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 28 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow,

                        He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

29 “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink.

Don’t worry about such things. 30 These things dominate the thots of unbelievers all over the world,

             but your Father already knows your needs.

31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

DTB Lk 12:21-40 This section elaborates on what it takes to be rich toward God:

            not being anxious about this life, trusting Him to provide for our needs,

            so we're free to serve the needs of others.

We lay up riches in heaven thru a variety of other-centered acts which Luke will record Jesus saying in future chapters. Here, v33 lists one (alms). See comments on Mt 6

32 So don’t be afraid, little flock. {Dependence/trust builds intimacy}

            For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

33 Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes.

            Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.

34 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. [values!]

Lk 12:35 Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning,

36 as tho you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast.

Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks.

37 The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded.

I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, serve them as they sit and eat!

38 He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn.

            But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

Lk 12:39 Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming,

            he would not permit his house to be broken into.

40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.

41 Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?

42 And the Lord replied, “A faithful, wise/sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them.

43 If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. 44 I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.

45 But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’

            and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk?

46 The master will return unannounced and unexpected,

                        and he will cut off from blessing/scourge the servant in pieces

                        and banish him with the hypocrites/unfaithful.

Mt 24:51 and will cut him off from blessing/scourge

and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

47 And that servant who knew his master's will,

            and did not prepare himself or do acc to his will,  [carry out hose instructions]

                        shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he who did not know,

            yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required;

and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

49 “I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning/kindled!

50 I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of me,

and I am under a heavy burden/distressed until it is accomplished.

51 Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth?

No, I have come to divide people against each other!

DTB 12:21-40 The teaching about being prepared and ready are similar to those in Mt 24 (please see there), but Luke adds that the master will bless and serve his servants whom he finds faithful when he returns. Those who aren't watching will suffer loss. 

Here's an excerpt form the comments on Mt 24: “He will be cut off from blessing, just like promised the unfaithful in the OT, and his portion/inheritance (or place) will be with the hypocrites, where it's all tears and teeth. This is not the lake of fire for those who aren't justified, or don't know God, but the outer darkness, excluded from the light of the city, where unprofitable servants serve their time." See comments on Mt 25:30

The master will bless the obedient and faithful servants,

and punish the unfaithful servants who had harmed those under their care

            (like the scribes and Pharisees).

This is not a passage about forgiveness for believers and the lake of fire for unbelievers/pagans, but about servants entrusted with responsibility by their master.

Those who have even a superficial acquaintance with the OT know that God punishes His chosen people when they are unfaithful, and it isn't pretty.

He blesses and curses as promised.

This passage is an elaboration of verses 35-40 about

                        being ready for the return of the master;

so that one would be blessed, served and honored by him;

as the alternative to suffering loss;

and is addressed to the disciples in response to Peter's question

     (v41 about us or them?);

It states clearly that the person was:

a servant of the master;

who had been entrusted with leadership in the master's household;

who was a steward from whom a faithful and wise accounting would be required;

who knew the master's will;

who was to feed and nourish other servants;

who indulged his/her desires rather than do the master's desire;

who doubted the master's return due to delay;

who abused fellow servants rather than sacrificially loving them;

who will be cut off from their privileged position;

who will lose their inheritance (just like Israelites did).

Now where's the part of trusting that Jesus died for one's sins

                                    and is justified by faith in this passage?

Where is that in the gospel of Luke thus far? Hmmm,

            there might need to be some paradigm shifting going on.

Those who know God's will and don't plan to do it, nor do it will be punished (as in ouch, pain) more than those who didn't know, but still failed to do God's will.

Ignorance isn't bliss, it's just a lesser beating.

The last half of verse 48 should be really scaryf or those who are more advantaged than the average bear 

Why do you think God gave you your abilities and advantages?

So you could use them to indulge your desires at a higher level than others?

DTB 12:49-53 As John had announced, Jesus would immerse/baptize

            with the Holy Spirit (prophesied New Covenant blessing)

            and fire (prophesied New Kingdom judgments).

Jesus seems pretty keen to get the judging and destruction of enemies to center stage (must be that justice thing), but He has to face the cross first.

The result of Jesus' first coming is not peace on earth (that's only toward those on whom His favor rests), but division and disunity.

Those who refuse to follow Christ according to truth will be against those who do.

Get used to it; it will all be worth it when Christ returns.

DTB 12:54-59 Speaking of Christ's return,

do whatever it takes to avoid judgment, by living in holiness and righteousness

(not about substitutionary atonement,

remember Jesus' audience had forgiveness on the basis of the Day of Atonement

             -see Mt 1 introduction if you missed it).

The just payback will be a temporary punishment

(weeping and gnashing of teeth in the outer darkness during the kingdom).

Note it is temporary, not unending

                        (eternal=of The Age -see Survey of Rewards on Truthbase.net).

When justice has been served and payment made, the punishment ends (eternal state).

Application: Someday Jesus is going to ask you:

“So, what have you done with all those marvelous abilities that I entrusted to you?”

If you're reading this, you should be smart enough to figure out the right

answer to that inevitable question.

Jn 17:4 I have glorified You on earth. I have finished the work You have given Me to do.

                        cf  Eph 2:10 created in Christ to do good works

 Lk 22:42 saying, Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me;

                                                            nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. cf Lk 9 discipleship call

Mk 13:33 Take heed, watch and pray; 34...far country, left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, commanded doorkeep to watch 35 Watch  for you do not know when the master of the house is coming 36 lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping

Jn 14:10 Father who dwells in Me does the works.

12 Truly, he who believes in Me, will do works that I do 'cz I go to My Father.

Mt 7:21 Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kgdm of heaven,

                        but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. cf Mt 23:13 Kingdom woes

C. Paul's example is self-denial subduing his body & natural/carnal desires

                        & abandoning all to fully follow Christ's charge

Acts 20:23 HS testifies in every city that chains and tribulations await me

24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself,

so that I may finish my race with joy,

            and the ministry I rcvd from Lord Jesus, testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Phil 3:8 I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish,

that I may gain Christ 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the ek-resurrection from the dead.

12 I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13 one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind

            and stretching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15  as many as are mature, have this mind

1Cor 11:1 Imitate me as I also imitate Christ.

Paul Gives Up His Rights

1Cor 9:1 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? 2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle.

3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 4 Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? 8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? 12 If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.

13 Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. 14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. 15 Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast/glory about preaching without charge. 16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled/ordered by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

17 If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. 18 What then is my pay/reward? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That’s why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.

19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize?

So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training.

They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.

26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.

27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.

Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified/reprobate.

Lessons from Israel’s Idolatry

10:1 I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them,

                 and all of them walked thru the sea on dry ground.

2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses.

3 All of them ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all of them drank the same spiritual water.

For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them, and that rock was Christ.

5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, and their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

6 These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did,

7 or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say,

 “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.”

8 And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did,

causing 23,000 of them to die in one day.

9 Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites

Num 21:4...go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way 5 people spoke against God and Moses: Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread. 6 So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, they bit the people, many  people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, "We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us. 9 if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.

10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by angel of death. Num 14

11        These things happened to them as examples for us.

            They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.

And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.

When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure.

14 So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.

15 You are reasonable people. Decide for yourselves if what I am saying is true.

10:16 When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ?

 And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ?

17 And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.

18 Think about the people of Israel. Weren’t they united by eating the sacrifices at the altar?

19 What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods? 20 No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don’t want you to participate with demons.

21 You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too.

You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too.

22 What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord’s jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is?

10:23 You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you.

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial.

24 Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.

25 So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience. 26 For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God.

33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do.

I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

11:1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

1Cor 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of,

for necessity/compulsion/torture! is laid upon me; yes,

                        woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!    

1Cor 9:24 Run in such a way that you may obtain

              25 competes...temperate in all things.

27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest,

when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

1Cor 11:1 Imitate me as I also imitate Christ

1Tim 4:12  Be an example to all believers in what you say, way you live, love, faith, and purity

1Tim 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things

and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

2Tim 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts;

but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1Tim 4:1 HS tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith;

            they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.

2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.

6 If you explain these things to the brothers/sisters, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.

7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas...Instead, train yourself to be godly

8 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better,

                                                            promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.

11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.

12  Be an example to all believers in what you say, way you live, your love, faith, and purity.

13 focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.

15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation & salvation of those who hear you.

1Tim 6:2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved.

             Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.

3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.(know and do all)

4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble.

Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth.

To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.

7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

6:11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run/flee from all these evil things. 2Tim 2:22

 Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

            Right in our sight=demonic pride; doctrine of demons (not easily intreated Js 3:15-17)

            Right in other's sight=no worth from God due to no trust & obey

            Right in God's sight= godly = knowing & doing all God requires rooted in faith

12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Take hold/seize  the eternal life/dominion in The AGE    to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.

13 And I charge you before God 14 that you obey this command without wavering.

Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

20 guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions

            with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge.

21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.

2Tim 1:13 Hold imp on to the pattern/form of wholesome teaching you learned from me

            —a pattern shaped by/means of the faith and love/loyalty that you have in Christ Jesus.

14 Thru dia the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us,

            carefully guard imp the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me

                        —even Phygelus and Hermogenes.

2:14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,

                        a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth

Pr 2:1 if you will seize my words,

                                    treasure my commands within you,

 2 so that you make your ear attentive to wisdom,

             incline your heart to understanding;

            cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding;

 If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will discern the fear of the Lord, and discover  the knowledge of God

            7 He stores up sound wisdom for the righteous..

               He is a shield to those who walk uprightly

2 Tim 3:1You should know in the last days there will be very difficult times.

2 For people will love only themselves and their money/covetous.

They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred (unholy).

3 They will be unloving /a-strorge and unforgiving/trucebreakers/implacable; cf Rm 1

            they will slander others/reproachful:blame-disapproval and have no self-control. cf Gal 5

They will be cruel/fierce/not tamed and hate what is good/despisers of good men.

4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride,

            and love pleasure rather than God.

5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.

Stay away from people like that! From such turn away! 

3:10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live,

and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.

11You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured.

You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra

            —but the Lord rescued me from all of it.

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

13 But evil people and impostors will flourish.

            They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught.

You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

2Tim 3:16-4:4 itching ears turn from Truth

2Tim 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Finally, there is laid up for me a  crown of righteousness, (from doing what is right in God's sight)

             which the Lord, righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day,

                          and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing

4:16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me.

            Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.

17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News

            And he rescued me from certain death.

18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack

and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever!