Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 3:4
God wants us to recognize that we are in the “last days.” As we read in our Day 1 Devotion, many theologians agree that the “last days” began when the church was birthed in the book of Acts. We must understand that every generation could testify that these characteristics described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 have been seen among the people of their generation. But it sure seems worse in the day in which we live. Due to our abundant access to information through modern-day technology, we read, hear, and even see these characteristics displayed in every culture worldwide. God describes for us in 2 Timothy 3:4 that people will also be “treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” To be treacherous means to betray friendships or to be a traitor. We have seen and read about treacherous people all over our world. If you want to see reckless (irresponsible, careless, unwise) people, watch some of the videos on YouTube. Conceited people are incredibly prideful and think way too much of themselves. Well, we can see conceited people daily on every form of social media. God also says people will be lovers of pleasure and not be lovers of Him. Too many people today are all about what feels good to them. People are all about their body, their rights, their feelings, and their beliefs with no regard for God and His Truth. The Good News is this: God can change all of these characteristics for anyone who willingly surrenders to Christ as Lord. People need Jesus.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about the characteristics listed in 2 Timothy 3:4, and how do people overcome the characteristics?
2. How are you guarding your heart and life from falling prey to living out any of these characteristics listed in 2 Timothy 3:1-4?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!