SOME THINGS TO KNOW

2 TIMOTHY 3:1, 13-16 NKJ 
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 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. 
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

 Paul began to close his letter with some warnings for Timothy.   

But know this. Paul wanted Timothy to know some things that would be taking place. He does not candy coat the truth.   

Perilous times will come. A more literal rendering is that times of stress will come in the last days. If Timothy was living in the last days then, we are living in the last days even more so.   

Evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse. They will deceive others and be deceived themselves. None of this sounds good, but then Paul tells Timothy what to do in times like these.   

Continue in the things that you have learned. Things you are sure of. And here's a key. Knowing from whom you have learned them.   

Paul was obviously referring to himself and what he had taught Timothy in their time together. And you know the Holy scriptures. In fact, you, Timothy, have known them from your childhood. They will put faith in you, saving you from these perilous times.   

What other people say may or may not be inspired, but God's word is inspired and profitable. Profitable for teaching, correction, adjustments, and how to live in righteousness (which Timothy was to pursue).   

That is quite a bit to know. Know that the times we are living in are tough. But know what you learned. Know who taught you. And know the scriptures that will profit your life.   

APPLICATION: 

As I am writing this, I can't help but think of the times we are living in today. Perilous times have come. Evil people have become worse, and deception is proliferating.   

So, if there was ever a time to know what you have learned and from whom, it is now. People seem to be taking any information that comes their way providing that it agrees with their position. Experts now are the ones with the loudest voices, but we often have no idea if they are accurate.   

If there ever was a time to turn to scriptures, it's now. We need something that will profit us, not polarize us. We need God's instruction and God's correction, and we most definitely need to learn to walk in righteousness.   

Paul warned Timothy what was coming and what to do. We must know these things as well.   

PRAYER: 

Heavenly Father, help me know what is true and right during these times of stress and deception.