[2 Timothy 3, Proverbs 35]

H – 2 Timothy 3:1, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”

E – Difficult Days!

Mark this down, there will be difficulty in life. Aren’t these comforting words from Paul? However, a lot of times we place the difficulty was face on others or uncontrollable circumstances. Yet, according to 2 Timothy 3 there needs to be greater examination to what actually leads to the difficulties we face; us individually. 

Notice what brings the most difficulty in a persons life, self. It is when individuals abandon clear and true teaching, reproof, correction, and stop training for righteous living (3:16); giving into self desires and gratifications. Listen to these words from Paul, 2 Timothy 3:2–5, “[2] For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, [4] treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, [5] having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power……”

Wow! I see “church people” in this list. Could it then be that the difficulties that riddle us the most is simply “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (3:5) by pleasing self rather than surrendering by faith to the reality of His great grace and continuing to grow firmly in what we have believed (3:14). 

Brothers and Sisters, mark this down, you and I can not get very far before our foolishness will be revealed (3:9). Sin will find its way out. Therefore, today is the day of new surrender, allowing God to breathe on you anew, through His Word. Do not abandon the power of His conviction, deceiving yourself (3:13). Rather, flee your love for yourself and personal passions (repent) and place your complete faith in Him, becoming obedient to His Word. 

A – There are a few applicable truths from 2 Timothy 3: 1) Flee the love I have for myself, 2) Cling to the knowledge of Truth, 3) Obey through the power of His Word, 4) Be transformed through the renewal of my mind, 5) Live equipped for His Glory. 

R – Lord God, I thank you for salvation. God, I know there will be difficult days. I know that when I focus on myself that the days will be harder and more difficult. But, when I focus on you and being changed by you, you will sustain me though any and every difficulty. God, may my faith in you always be greater than my faith in anything else, including myself. I will simply confess, I NEED YOU. Lord, breathe your Word into my life. Teach me. Rebuke me when I need it. Correct and Discipline me out of your love for me. Continue to train me for righteousness sake. And, may I be equipped through you for the plans and the purposes you have for me. 

In Jesus Name!