Godly Examples

Next notice their victims. Paul says these zealous false teachers went after "idle women burdened down with sins, led along by a variety of passions, always learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth" (vv. 6-7). Paul is not using this as a description of all women but rather those who are immature, childish, silly, weak, and especially those burdened down with sins. Because of their unclean consciences, they were open to hear anything, even the messages of these false teachers. The false teachers preyed on their intellectual weaknesses, their moral189 weaknesses, and their gullible nature. These women would listen to anybody, but they were never able to come to "a knowledge of the truth."

Stott adds that this method of preying on women is a timeless tactic of false teachers:

Finally, Paul gives an example of spurious teachers in verse 8 as he relates the mental corruption of such men. He alludes to the Egyptian sorcerers who opposed Moses before Pharaoh (Exod 7:11-12). Though Jannes and Jambres are not mentioned by name in the Bible, they are in extrabiblical sources. When Aaron threw down his rod and it became a snake, they cast down their rods, which also became snakes. These sorcerers opposed Moses like the false teachers were opposing Paul and Timothy (and by extension those who proclaim God's Word today).

Paul says such men are "corrupt in mind" (v. 8). They are mentally warped. Consequently, they are "worthless in regard to the faith." Notice how we keep coming to the issue of truth in this letter. The war Paul describes here is a truth war. Paul talks about a "knowledge of the truth" (2:25; 3:7), those who "resist the truth" (3:8), and the false teachers' "lack of understanding" (3:9). People have always been prone to drift to every wind of doctrine, especially that which is new. We live and minister in this world. We must guard the truth that has been given to us in Holy Scripture (1:14) and pass it on to others (2 Tim 2:2). We need an army of good soldiers who will, by God's grace, preach and teach the Word with faithfulness because eternity is at stake.

The final thing Paul says in verse 9 is similar to what he has already said in 2:18-19. He reminds Timothy that even though the situation may look depressing, Christianity will not collapse. He says that just as the folly of Jannes and Jambres became evident to all and people realized that no one could match the power of God, so the false teachers in Ephesus would "not make further progress, for their lack of understanding will be clear to all" (v. 9). Paul believes that their error would eventually be exposed, and God would preserve His truth. This had to be an190 encouraging word to Timothy as he looked at the apparent success of the false teachers. Like Timothy, we must rest in God's promises and courageously keep teaching His truth in spite of opposition and false religious systems.

To summarize 3:1-9, Timothy and others were to avoid these men and these practices. They must avoid self-centered lives with misdirected loves and corrupt relationships, religious forms devoid of Christ's power, and the evil tactics of false teachers. There is a better way, and Paul describes it in the following verses.

Follow Godly Examples

2 Timothy 3:10-13

In stark contrast to these false teachers just mentioned ("But you," v. 10), Paul gives Timothy the imperative to "continue" in verse 14. Paul urges Timothy to continue following Jesus by doing two things: remembering the past (vv. 10-13) and focusing on the Scriptures (vv. 14-17). Because verses 14-17 are so closely tied to 4:1-4, we will treat them in the next chapter.

In verses 10-13, Timothy reminded of Paul's example. The apostle's example was to be emulated in so far as he followed Christ (1 Cor 11:1). Every leader should be able to say, "Follow me, as I follow Christ." This is leadership 101. Leadership is not lordship. Peter said pastors should not be domineering but should set an example to the flock (1 Pet 5:3; cf. 2 Cor 1:24). Leadership is about following Jesus and inviting others to come along. Paul illustrated this as well as anyone. Paul tells Timothy (and us) to remember (1) his life, (2) his persecutions, and (3) his precept about godliness.

Paul's lifestyle was unlike that of the false teachers mentioned in the previous section. He said that Timothy knew well of his "teaching," his "conduct," and his "purpose." His life was lived out in the open. Paul's teaching explained his life, and his life exemplified his teaching. Paul lived out his charge that he gave to Timothy earlier in his first letter: "Pay close attention to your life and your teaching" (1 Tim 4:16). And Paul's purpose was to live for something greater than pleasure, money, or personal fame. Paul expressed his single-minded passion to the Ephesians elders: "But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish191 my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace" (Acts 20:24). Paul's great aim in life was to finish his ministry of testifying to the gospel for the glory of Christ. He reminds us of that glorious purpose to which we must give our lives in our own ministry contexts.

Timothy also observed particular virtues in Paul's life: "Faith, patience, love, and endurance." These four qualities are at the heart of the Christian life. Timothy observed Paul's faithfulness in ministry (e.g., Acts 18:5-11). He knew of his patience toward others (e.g., the Corinthian church!). He witnessed his love for the churches (see Phil 1:7-8). He watched Paul's amazing endurance as he kept on going despite endless hardships (see 2 Cor 6:4-10). Of course, none of this was owing to Paul's ability but to God's transforming grace. These four characteristics mark Paul's life, and now in a prison cell he urges Timothy to follow them.

Which of these is most absent in your life? My guess is that most leaders would say "patience." Maybe because that is what I would say! Later Paul would tell Timothy (and us) to "proclaim the message... with great patience" (2 Tim 4:2). How do you cultivate patience as a leader? The type of patience we need only comes by the Spirit. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. As we abide in Jesus, love Jesus, and treasure Jesus, the Spirit produces patience in us. As we reflect, as Paul did, on how Jesus has been patient with us (1 Tim 1:16), it should cause us to grow in our patience toward others.

Timothy also had intimate knowledge of Paul's "persecutions and sufferings." Interestingly, Paul mentions three particular locations: "Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra." Timothy knew of other experiences as well, including the persecutions in Philippi, Ephesus, and Rome. But Paul draws particular attention to these three locations probably because they surrounded Timothy's home region. Timothy knew of Paul's brutal beating by a hostile mob, when the apostle was left for dead (Acts 14:5-6, 19). Paul said, "What persecutions I endured!" These particular sufferings apparently had a great impact on Timothy, and Paul urged Timothy to remember his example as he continued to live out his calling.

Paul then reminds Timothy that "the Lord rescued me from them all." This is almost an exact quotation from Psalm 34:19 where David celebrates his deliverance from his enemies. God is the ultimate192 rescuer. He has delivered His people throughout the ages. Though He never promises us that this life will be easy, He does promise to be with His people and to rescue them either in this life or by bringing them to glory! As Paul was writing, he was awaiting the ultimate rescue (see 2 Tim 4:17-18).

Timothy is called to endure by the strength God supplies, trusting in God's great faithfulness to His people. Paul is not just giving Timothy an example to follow; he is pointing him to the source of power by which to live.

In verse 12, Paul reminds Timothy that everyone who seeks "to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." We should understand the inevitability of persecution as we consider the life and words of Paul. After Paul's stoning in Lystra, Luke says,

We will pass through many troubles as we live out the gospel. Therefore, Paul tells the Philippians, "It has been given to you on Christ's behalf not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him" (Phil 1:29).

What is more, as we look at the life of Jesus, we should remember the reality of Christian suffering. Jesus says, "If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you" (John 15:20). John echoes his Master's words, "Do not be surprised, brothers, if the world hates you" (1 John 3:13). Race car drivers should expect some crashes, football players are not surprised by injuries, baseball players know the ball will hit them sometimes, and soldiers expect to be shot at. Christians should expect some degree of persecution. What is amazing from 1 John 3:13 is that John says we may face persecution because we love one another! Some are drawn to Christ by the love of Christians, but others are enraged by their love. Instead of being surprised by opposition, we should be surprised when we do not face any!

If we are not facing any opposition in our ministry, chances are we are not living out our calling to the hilt. Of course, we do not look for opposition; we are not seeking enemies. But we must understand that193 opposition is inevitable for all who live godly lives. Some will experience physical oppression. Others will feel it in their hearts as they grieve over others lives. Most will be ignored, mocked, or rejected.

This sobering reality actually helps us. We know the world is not spinning out of control. No. This is what will happen in the last days. False teachers, like these mentioned in chapters 2 and 3, "will become worse, deceiving and being deceived" (3:13). Timothy is to remember this reality and to remember Paul's example as he continued following Jesus.

Example and Empowerment

As we read these verses, we sense our need for help. How can we possibly endure evil people, false teachers, and persecution? Paul was the mighty apostle. How can we possibly follow his example? How are we to persevere and maintain godliness? To find out, we should ask, "What is 'godliness'?" Paul tells us earlier that Jesus Himself is "the mystery of godliness" (1 Tim 3:16). Jesus gave us the ultimate example of godliness in His incarnation. Jesus was the ultimate picture of humility, integrity, and generosity. His religion was not a show but was a demonstration of power. His outreach was not evil but loving. He taught with authority. He walked by faith. He lived with an eternal purpose. He displayed love like no other. His patience is unparalleled. And the only truly innocent man suffered a criminal's death where He took our judgment and gave us His righteousness. Jesus gave us the greatest example of godliness.

But we need more than an example. We need empowerment. And that is exactly what our Lord provided. Through His victorious resurrection, Jesus triumphed over our greatest enemies, ascended to the Father's right hand, and poured out the Holy Spirit. Now, as believers in Him, we are united with Him. Notice that Paul identified the desire to live "a godly life in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim 3:12). We live this life through our glorious union with Christ, and we remind ourselves of our relationship with Him through our daily communion with Christ. We have been crucified with Him, raised with Him, and seated with Him. Christ now lives in us! By the power of the risen Christ, we press on in godliness, keeping our eyes on Him.

Avoid ungodly examples, follow godly examples as they follow the Savior, and do it all by Christ's mighty power.194