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Title: Trouble Makers Part 1 Text: II Timothy 3:1-5 FCF: We often struggle keeping the church and the gospel pure. Prop: Because people in the last days will be and do ungodliness, we must avoid these people. Scripture Intro: [Slide 1] Turn in your bible to II Timothy chapter 3. This letter is so different than the previous Pastoral Epistles. I have mentioned before that the letter goes on almost in a stream of consciousness sort of way. Paul will continue from the previous thought given to Timothy. A thought of hope for Timothy. Last week, he commands Timothy to instruct gently with patience and meekness all those he comes into contact with from believers to opponents. The reason, of course, is that perhaps God will give them the gift of repentance leading to faith. But as a reaction to that hope given in the previous verses, Paul will now pendulum swing a little with a dose of reality for Timothy. Not contradicting what he just said, of course, but helping Timothy to understand what he is up against. This sermon could have been very, very long. It is only 2 points but would have been well over an hour and a half. So, I have shown you mercy and divided it up into two sermons. Even though my seminary professors would cringe at me giving you a 1 point sermon… You are welcome! So, we will begin with the first 5 verses of this chapter and add the following 4 verses next week. I am in verse 1 of chapter 3. I will go ahead and read the entire text to verse 9. I am reading from the ESV but you can follow along in the pew bible on page 1343 or in whatever version you have. Transition: So although this sermon is not very, very long… It is still long. Let’s dive in and see the counter point to the hope that Timothy’s opponents may yet be granted repentance. I.) Who people are in the last days will make Christian life difficult, so we must avoid these people. (1-5) a. [Slide 2] 1 – But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. i. As if to blunt the hopeful expectation that a soft word of instruction will see many opponents turn from their wicked ways and repent, Paul wants to adequately prepare his dear son Timothy for the far more likely scenario. ii. Paul predicts, that although there is a hope that his opponents will turn with gentle correction, the opposition to the truth of the gospel will only increase in the last days. iii. Written only a few years before the beginning of the Jewish revolt, some may see this as fulfilled in the 70AD destruction of Jerusalem. Others may look to the future and say with certainty that this has still yet to happen. I am not saying that either of these are necessarily wrong. iv. However, I think Paul means to indicate a perpetually present application of these truths. What I mean is that what he is about to describe as a “last days reality” was certainly occurring in Ephesus when Paul wrote these words. v. Since the ascension of Christ and the giving of the Holy Spirit, we have been in “the last days” vi. And while that is, in some sense, still the future – we know this because Christ has not arrived yet – it is also always the present because He could return at any time. It is also the past because the church age has begun. vii. I don’t want to get into a long eschatological discussion here, but one thing is certain. Paul does not write to Timothy to warn him of something that will be over in 10 years. Nor does he write to him for something that is a couple thousand years away. Paul writes to warn him of the age in which they both lived. viii. In that age… there will be times of difficulty. Danger, aggression, persecution, and particularly, danger to the purity of the gospel message. ix. But why will there be such great danger? b. [Slide 3] 2 – For people will be i. Why is there a great danger? People. ii. Even though Paul just talked about getting along with people. Even though he just told Timothy not to engage in foolish and ignorant disputes and to be at peace with God’s people and to be a good and patient teacher and gentle instructor of opponents, Timothy must not think for one second that that will make people better for it. iii. His performing perfectly will not stop people from being what they will be. iv. It is a lesson to us. Perhaps we left last week thinking – yeah, if I am gentle and kind to sinning people or opponents of the gospel, that will probably lead the world to be a better place! Maybe if we all just got along – the world could be better! Maybe if we just treated one another with dignity and respect, all this would be fine. v. NO! vi. God’s people live this way because God lives in them. They have been granted repentance. They have been given the knowledge of the truth. They serve a new master. vii. That is the only reason they live this way. But ultimately – it will not change the world. viii. People often think of this world as a sinking ship and we need to plug the holes or at least get the lifeboats ready for everyone. They need to starting thinking of this world as it was in the days of Noah. How many were saved? How many were lost? ix. The world is doomed to get worse and worse and to lead to difficult times for God’s people. Why? x. People. People are not the solution… they are the problem. xi. How can I say that? People will be… c. [Slide 4] Lovers of self i. As Paul begins this list of 19 items, we must not look at his description here as 19 characteristics of every person. It isn’t like the fruit of the Spirit, where it is all or nothing. He is giving 19 characteristics of mankind in the last days. ii. This word means to be self-loving, self-centered, or selfish. iii. With phrases like “be sure to take time for yourself” “mecation” “going to find myself” “love yourself” “forgive yourself” and other common words of “wisdom” we have floating around our culture today – it is easy to see this is prevalent today. iv. Although aging, it is still a popular Phycological teaching that many of life’s problems come down to people’s lack of self-esteem. Again, the bible depicts a world not devoid of self-esteem but rife with it. Either the bible is wrong, or our Psychologists are only making the problem worse. Given that suicide rates among young adults who have been fed this “self-esteem” therapy for the better part of 40 years has not changed, and has actually gotten worse – it seems that the answer is what the scriptures have always taught. v. Mankind does not need more esteem for himself. They don’t need to think more highly of themselves. In fact, in this list, do you know how many deal men lacking humility? 4 out of 19. That means that in the description of people who will lead to difficult times for believers in the last days, around 20% of that description has to do with self-exaltation. vi. And so much of the scripture is devoted to commanding God’s people to be lovers of God and others. The Shema in Deuteronomy 6 and the Command to have no other god before God are all in play here with regard to self-love. vii. In a world full of people who are self-consumed – True Christians will be hated because they are not just posing as a person who loves others. They are actually selfless people. How appalling. d. [Slide 5] Lovers of money i. This word means money-loving or covetous. ii. As we know, we cannot serve God and money. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil practices. And the Love of money stems from a love of self which is, at its core, idolatry. iii. The scriptures do not teach that Christians must be poor or shun money as evil. But there are heavy cautious for how to use and treat money. iv. Certainly today, in every economic system, in every kind of organization, and in the very values and worldviews of many – Money holds the love of many captive. And no matter how much they have, it is never enough. v. And in a world where many are consumed by the almighty dollar – True Christians will be hated for being prudent with their finances, staying out of debt, giving a lot of money away, and living on less than they make. How old-fashioned. e. [Slide 6] Proud i. This word means prideful, arrogant, or boastful. ii. It is our second of 4 words related to self-love or self-worship. iii. Although the nuances of this word and the next are subtle, perhaps we would best understand this to speak of our behavior. This would be a more obvious and pronounced arrogance. iv. Someone who boasts in their accomplishments or touting their fame. v. In Washington DC we find examples of these. But perhaps we need not leave our own mirrors to locate a boaster. vi. A mind shaped by the pages of scripture knows that all its accomplishments would be nothing without Christ and are useful only for Christ. vii. In a world full of people promoting themselves – True Christians will be hated because they are always “beating themselves down” or “not giving themselves enough credit” when it actuality, they simply give all credit… nay… all glory to whom they know it is due… The Lord God almighty. How disappointing. f. [Slide 7] Arrogant i. This word means assuming or haughty. ii. The primary difference here would be not the behavior but the attitude of pride. iii. It is their demeanor, the way they carry themselves. They condescend to the lowly peons. They see themselves as the authority on everything in which they speak. iv. They are always the teacher and never the student. Such are the arrogant. v. God’s word tells His people to have the humble mind of Christ, who although is God took the nature of man on Himself and submitted himself to grow in wisdom and favor with men. vi. Even though the God of the universe, his mother taught Him to walk and talk. vii. We also must submit to learn, even from those who are our students. viii. In a world where many consider themselves superior to others – True Christians will be hated because they are always the learner and never the authority. Indeed, unless it is core to the gospel, they are gentle with every subject they speak on. How deplorable! g. [Slide 8] Abusive i. This word means slanderous, railing, reproachful, or blasphemous. ii. The Amplified and NASB translate this to revile iii. The CSB translates this as Demeaning iv. The NLT translates this as scoffing at God – clearly taking the more “blasphemous” approach. v. Although it is difficult to decide if this is a Godward or humanward focus, perhaps that doesn’t actually matter. vi. A person who is abusive in his speech to God or other men would certainly fit in with this list. vii. God’s word teaches His people to speak gently to those who oppose and correct meekly those who sin. Harsh tones or abusive language and actions, intimidation, and the like should not be named among us. viii. In a world where many yell, scream, fight and beat others down with their words, just to get what they want – A True Christian will be hated because they have a strength that does not express itself normally in loud yells or backhanded compliments – but in kindness and sound thought. How irritating. h. [Slide 9] Disobedient to their parents i. The word for disobedient means one who will not be persuaded or is uncompliant. ii. Does this belong in such a list? It seems like such a small thing next to the rest. And yet of those listed in Romans 1 who will not enter the Kingdom of God – this same adjective is listed. iii. Disrespectfulness and disregard for parental authority is what is in view here. iv. But God’s people are instructed not only for children to obey their parents, but also for parents to raise their children in nurture admonition of the Lord. v. In a world where the parental role is being replaced by doctors, state officials, and experts, probably a direct result of their role being so diminished for so long – True Christians will be hated because not only do they expect their children to obey them, but they continue to give honor and respect to their parents well after they are out of the home. They listen to their parents, even when they disagree. They trust and love their parents, even when they cannot see how they could be right. How sad! i. [Slide 10] Ungrateful i. The word means to be unthankful or without thanksgiving. ii. This manifests into being complainers, grumblers, gripers. iii. People who are unpleased with everything rather than thankful for what they are given. iv. Of course, God’s word instructs God’s people to “in everything – give thanks” v. The heart of this is that all that is given is from God. God being all powerful sovereign from whom all blessings flow – He is the Father of lights, who does not change, and every good gift comes from Him. vi. So we must in all things, give thanks. vii. In a world full of complaining, whining, entitled miscreants wanting redos and apologies from people and companies that don’t fulfill what they wanted – True Christians will be hated because they are grateful for what they have. They count their blessings. And when they don’t get what they want – they know they deserve FAR LESS that what they got. From paychecks to restaurants, to Christmas day to unanswered prayers – they give thanks… always. How despicable. j. [Slide 11] Unholy i. This word means impious, or unholy. ii. To be unholy would simply mean people who are not pious. People who are not disposed toward an upright or righteous lifestyle. iii. People who have no regard for living set apart. iv. Of course, we just came from a text where Paul reveals that God has set His people apart for an honorable purpose. To display good works which He has prepared for us before time began. v. In a world full of people who love sin and are proud of it – True Christians will be hated for lifting up the standard of the word of God not just for other men to follow – but for them to follow as well! God’s law is the law. God’s ways are the only way. That is the Christian motto. God said so – that is why. And it may not be the best “argument” but when the God of the universe says to do or not to do something – is there room for argument? How narrowminded. k. [Slide 12] 3 – heartless i. This is, perhaps, one of the more difficult words to define. It means devoid of natural or instinctive affection, without affection to kindred ii. Yet several translations translate this unloving or without love. iii. So certainly, we should view this word as unloving and perhaps, as the ESV translates, heartless – but specifically in reference toward those who are our flesh and blood. iv. Indeed, frequently murders and acts of violence are carried out against people known to the assailant. v. But what does God say toward those who are His? vi. In I Timothy we learned that it is the responsibility of the family to care for their own flesh and blood. vii. Believers ought to foster relationships with their blood relatives, regardless of their spiritual status. Caring for and helping when they can. viii. In a world where the wisdom of the day is to write people out of your life if they are hurting your mental state because they don’t agree with your decisions – True Christians will be hated because even while their kin, their own blood despise what they are, they still care for them when they are sick, provide for them when in need, and pray for them to be given repentance and faith. How fruitless. l. [Slide 13] Unappeasable i. This means to be unwilling to make a treaty, implacable, irreconcilable. Several other translations have unforgiving. ii. To be disagreeable to the extent that you are unable to appease or placate someone is what is intended. This could be when you wrong them in that they are unforgiving or even just in all matters they do not come to agreement easily. iii. It is a “my way or the highway” kind of person. iv. But the Lord tells His children to be gentle, flexible, meek, and mild. There are certainly areas that we cannot bend – but those are probably fewer than we think. v. Overall, we ought to give deference to people and forgive easily. Why? Because God through Christ has forgiven us of so much more. vi. In a world where it seems the more unyielding you are the more people listen – True Christians will be hated for making agreements easily, compromising on things they can, and gently disagreeing when they cannot. They will forgive quickly and bear no grudges. How naïve m. [Slide 14] Slanderous i. This word means treacherous, informer, traitor. Other translations have malicious gossips. ii. This word is the same word we use (in its noun form) for the devil. iii. The idea is that people will falsely accuse and spread lies about people. iv. They will pass on information that they know is not true or that they have not confirmed to be true – all with the motive of self-promotion or the destruction of another. v. God tells His people to speak well of one another and not to gossip or lie. He tells us to bless those who curse us. He tells us to have our words garnished with honey. vi. We should use our tongues to build up rather than tear down. vii. In a world where so many are like rabid dogs waiting to pounce on any shred of gossip and news so as to disparage their enemy – True Christians will be hated for holding their tongue and only speaking well of others. How silly. n. [Slide 15] Without self-control i. This word means incontinent or intemperate ii. The idea is that this person acts without restraint. They don’t know when to stop. iii. This is an overarching way of life and does not necessarily include vice. iv. It can be all things actions, words, and substance and activity. v. Many supposed mental illnesses and emotional problems have been cited as the reason for our inability to control ourselves as humans. For whatever reason we are not able to do, say, think in a culturally acceptable way. vi. This is all well and good when applied to cultural norms – but when it is applied toward sin – we simply cannot accept this to be true for God’s people. Why? vii. Because God tells us that the fruit of the Spirit includes self-control. viii. Self-control is commanded throughout scripture for God’s Children and is made possible for God’s children through His indwelling Spirit. ix. No Christian, when faced with a command from scripture, can reasonably conclude that it is impossible for him to fulfill. Him alone? Of course. But with God all things are possible. x. In a world where everyone acts without thinking and blames their lack of control on everything but themselves – True Christians will be hated for remaining steadfast in their reasoning and decisions, basing all things on the word of God and keeping themselves restrained in all their daily affairs. How quaint. o. [Slide 16] Brutal i. Another seemingly difficult word to define in this list. It means savage, fierce, or ferocious, but many translations translate this brutal, with only the NLT translating it cruel. ii. Most likely the translation of brutal and cruel are to avoid cultural difficulties over the words savage, fierce and ferocious. iii. Nevertheless, brutal and cruel capture the action and the motive behind this word. iv. Related to lacking control, this has to do with how people will treat each other. They will be without restraint. Abusive in word and action. They will be cruel affording no mercy and seasoned with no grace. v. They will take no prisoners. They will give no quarter. vi. But God’s people are told to love… even our enemies. And to pray for those who use us. Yes even those who are brutal are to be prayed for by those who are Christians. vii. In a world where steam rolling your opponent is every bit as acceptable as agreeing – True Christians will be hated for loving peace and never desiring violence. They aren’t warmongers nor are they quick to settle disputes with their fists. How cowardly. p. [Slide 17]Not loving good i. This word means not a lover of good, or possibly not a lover of good men/people. ii. By inference other translations say haters or opposers of good or good people. iii. Goodness is defined by God. His Character and action, His person and Work. iv. And so such a one not only cheers for sinful behavior but despises those who deny it for themselves. They are not content until everyone agrees and participates in ungodly behavior. v. But God’s people ought to love good, because true goodness reflects on their Good God. vi. Instead we despise evil – opposing it at every pass. First in our hearts and then in the hearts of others. vii. In a world turned upside down where right is wrong and wrong is right – True Christians will be hated because they stand opposed to the consensus. They are the idiots and the uninformed. How close-minded. q. [Slide 18] 4 – treacherous i. The next word means a betrayer or traitor. ii. The idea is a person who is two faced, one way in one situation and another elsewhere. iii. They will lie, cheat and steal even their own family to get what they desire. iv. But God tells us to have our yes be yes and our no be no. To not have weighted scales, to pay what we owe, to deal honestly and fairly. v. We must keep our word and not swindle and cheat. vi. In a world where many deem it necessary to lie, cheat, and steal to get your way to the top of the ladder – True Christians will be hated because they are faithful friends who are compassionate truth tellers. They keep their promises and are reliable employees. How ridiculous. r. [Slide 19] Reckless i. This word means falling forwards, precipitate, or rash. ii. The idea is a person who does not look ahead to see where he is going and trips over something as he runs. iii. A person who is reckless is headstrong and careless. They do before they think. They act before counting the cost. iv. God’s people are told to count the cost, plan and pray. They are told to trust and walk by faith but not with reckless abandon. They depend on God and carefully move according to His leading. v. In a world where you must act on something quickly or you might miss out – True Christians will be hated for being wise with their actions and calculating their decisions. They will make choices based on God’s word and will not be rash and impulsive. How unfortunate. s. [Slide 20] Swollen with conceit i. This word is difficult to capture the meaning. At its core it means to besmoke or possess with fumes. But when applied to a person it speaks directly of conceit or being puffed up or swollen with pride. ii. It is our fourth and final word dealing with self-love and pride – and it is a perfect passive participle. Indicating not only that it is an action that the person had done to them but also that it is something that has been done in the past. iii. There is a subtle cue here that part of the trap of the devil to do his will – is Satan’s inflating of a man’s view of himself. iv. But God’s people are to esteem others more highly than themselves. To be humble and be desperately in need of God and others. Much of the scriptures work to deflate our pride and put us in our place. v. In a world where many consider their opinions to be as important as anyone else’s, in a democratic world where we all get equal say and the loudest and largest win – True Christians will be hated because they know that they were once children of wrath. That they were broken imagers of God, worthy of destruction and death. And that the only reason they are not that way anymore – is because God has made them new. How slavish! t. [Slide 21] Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, i. This word means pleasure loving, a lover of pleasure ii. In the last days people will be consumed with the pursuit of their own happiness. iii. If they aren’t happy – then something in life needs to change. iv. But God’s people are told to count it joy when we fall into trial. They are told to be content in all circumstances. They are told to find joy and satisfaction in the Lord alone. Oftentimes this means denying our own happiness and pleasure. v. In a world where everyone and everything can and should be sacrificed to make yourself happy and to bring yourself pleasure – True Christians will be hated for living for the honor and glory of their King. They will deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. And they will suffer for His name… with joy. How stupid. vi. But the last descriptor of these people is perhaps the most shocking of all of them. u. [Slide 22] 5 – having the appearance of godliness, i. Every kind of person in this list can go to church, sing the songs, say all the right things and go home and be any of these. ii. Fidelity in our words and rituals does not equal fidelity with our hearts and lifestyles. iii. God told Israel, I am done accepting sacrifices from you – I want obedience. iv. These false teachers in Ephesus had long discussions and heady battles about nonessentials and profane discussions. They were neck deep in religion – but their lives were void of love for God and His people. They only loved themselves, money, and pleasure. v. [Slide 23] But denying its power. i. My friends, our churches are full of these kinds of people. ii. They confess with their mouths all the right things- but by their lives they deny God’s power to change them. iii. This is why church discipline exists. The purity of the gospel and the restoration of the sinner. iv. The power of God, the gospel of Christ, is on display in a person who is a set apart vessel meant for noble purposes that cleans itself of dishonorable things and is prepared for good works. v. Indeed all who name the name of Christ MUST oppose evil. vi. Confession of Christian truth and obedience to God’s commands are a complete package. To lack either is to deny Christ and embrace idolatry. vii. That is why we must… w. [Slide 24] Avoid such people. i. Our churches will be full of people who commit sins. ii. Christ in us does not change the fact that we sometimes sin. But we no longer practice sin if we are in Christ. The power of sin has been broken, and the penalty of sin has been paid. iii. Christ has conquered sin and defeated death. iv. And so, to deny Him in word or deed, is to deny these truths. v. That is why we must avoid, shun, or excommunicate people who live unrepentant lifestyles of sins like these 19. vi. In a world where many come to church, say all the right things, mentally affirm all the right things, and perform all the right rituals – in a world where church leaders look for bodies to fill the pews opting for shallow maturity and wide numbers – True Christians will be hated because they will desire to correct and confront sin, even to the extent of removing people who are ungodly and unrepentant. They will fight to keep the testimony of the church and of Christ pure, by not allowing MERE confessors to continue in their churches. How… unloving. How intolerant. x. [Slide 25] Passage Truth: So the primary truth set out in the passage thus far is that the last days will be difficult for God’s people because the visible church has been and will continue to be infiltrated by nominal Christians. y. Passage Application: So Timothy must do his best to avoid such people. Neither to succumb to their teaching or allowing their influence. He must resist their particular brand of Christianity that looks something like the real thing but is lacking the power of God. z. [Slide 26] Broader Biblical Truth: Zooming out to the rest of scripture we see and know that among God’s chosen there have always been those who look like God’s chosen. Israel as a nation was chosen, but as the New Testament reveals – not all Israel is Israel. Even in Numbers 16 we saw that Korah and his companions assumed that all of them were part of the holy assembly. God disagreed. And although we’d like to hope and think that in the New Covenant community things would be different. Unfortunately, Paul reveals that this is not the case. Among the visible church, a people built of those who confess the right things and have some form of godliness… there are many in the last days who will deny the power of the gospel by living lives powerless against sin. Although the true church will never be free of the presence of sin in this life – God changes the disposition of His children toward sin. They MUST turn away. They must clean out their vessel. A faith that is alive will produce good works. Why? Because they have been planned for all God’s true children to do since the beginning of time. aa. Broader Biblical Application: And for us at CBC, we must follow Paul’s command and avoid such people going forward. The first step is not avoidance of course. First we instruct – as he told us to in the last chapter. First we approach with correction, rebuke, reproof and instruction in righteousness. First we attempt in meekness to implore them to repent and crucify their flesh and follow Christ. First we patiently warn them that sin only brings death. But when all meek and humble correction fails, when we have exhausted all the steps of church discipline endeavoring to call that person to repentance. That is when the last step is exercised. We must avoid them. Why? Because it is no longer about their personal restoration. Now it is about the purity of the gospel and the true church. God’s church must be purified. And what Paul presents here – is the great purification of the church. Conclusion: [Slide 27(end)] Even though this is only 1 point of 2 in this passage. Even though this is not quite a complete thought from Paul. How then shall we live CBC? What shall we do with this? Well I think after last week we may have come away with great hope. And well we should have. We come away from a discussion of our opponents being gifted repentance and faith and we think – wow! That would be awesome! And it would. And it is possible. It happens. But Paul doesn’t want us to be naïve. We are in the last days. And because of that, we will see great apostasy. Although some will go from opponents to brothers… most will go from supposed brothers to enemies. The worst part is that they will remain Christian in name. They won’t even deny spirituality. They won’t even deny Christ overtly. Sure some will. Some will actually leave the church entirely. In some ways that is better. But many will remain in the church, confessing to the same truths. They sing the songs, they say the right things… but their lifestyles are a mess. And it is only a matter of time before someone sees it. If you are living in any one of these 19 things – my friends, you aren’t going to be able to keep that under wraps for long. Eventually, it is gonna come out. So I have two very short applications from this text today. Avoid these people. And. Avoid being these people.