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October 6, 2016

2 Timothy 3:14-17

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

New International Version (NIV)

Is the world getting worse or better? What do you think? Some see our day as the peak of the enlightenment in history. We have acquired so much knowledge. Think of all the benefits which accrue through this knowledge. Technology and science continue to teach us more about the world. The practice of medicine has measurably lengthened our lifespans and helped us overcome illnesses which were once thought incurable. How have all of our advances helped us spiritually?

The New Testament calls the time after Christ’s first coming the last days. Paul taught that people would get worse as history progressed (3:1-5). From the perspective of Psychology, Murray Bowen of Georgetown wrote about “societal regression.” Are people getting wiser and better as we grow wealthier and smarter? Paul says in v. 13, “evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” Worst of all Paul wrote, “having the appearance of godliness but denying its power.” In other words, people can be very religious but go from bad to worse.

Have you ever seen a salmon swim upstream? It can’t be easy. Just so, Paul tells Timothy that he is not bound by the tide of human thought and conduct. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed.” Timothy’s grandmother, mother, along with the Apostle Paul, taught him the truth from scripture. If we want to grow in godliness, we have the tools we need in the scriptures. God equips us for every good work. We can do better even as the world gets worse.

Pray with me:

Father, open our eyes to see who we are in you. Remind us as you did Elisha’s servant that those who are for us are more and greater than those who are against us. Remind us again that in the cross and resurrection you have shown us that you are for us. Since you are for us, who can be against us? Let us live in the light of this truth today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture reading for today:

2 Timothy 3

Our Read Through the New Testament in One Year guide

is available at Tallowood Baptist Church. Or click to download it!

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