1 This is now, beloved, the second letter I am writing to you in which I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the words spoken beforehand by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior spoken by your apostles. 3 Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:1-4 (NASB)
How should those of us who are in the light of God’s truth live in these last, apostate days as so much of what calls itself “Christian” is anything but? In Paul’s second epistle to Timothy, we have just such an instruction. Chapter 3 can be broken down into two distinct parts. Part one runs from v1 through v9 and addresses the apostate nature of those who oppose God’s truth. Part two begins in v10 and runs through v17 and addresses how the man of God should live in an era dominated by wicked men who profess to be Christians. As we study these letters of instructions, it is imperative that we never forget that false teachers, preachers, prophets, and leaders have always plagued the Church. False doctrines are allowed by God to arouse His people to address them and lead the godly remnant out of that darkness into the light of His truth. Our doctrines have been primarily developed through perilous times such as ours. God uses the fires of persecution and tribulation to refine His people and grow them unto Christlikeness. Therefore, let us walk according to the godly instruction of the Apostle Paul given to us in his Spirit-inspired words.