Times Of Difficulty (3:1-9)
Neal Pollard
The section of the letter that has ultimately been delineated as “chapter three” has two distinct parts. We might label the first part as “the problem” and the second part as “the solution.” Paul paints a pretty grim picture of what he describes as “times of difficulty” coming “in the last days” (1). While we may infer from Paul’s words that he is giving Timothy warning about an imminent return of Christ, we should remember that “in the New Testament the phrase refers to that entire time from the completion of Christ’s redemptive work until his return” (Lea and Griffin, NAC, 223). Peter quotes Joel 2:28-32 and applies it to the Christian Age. Note the plural “times,” and a historical retrospect reveals that there have been many times of difficulty since the first century.
As those who seem to be living through one of these “times of difficulty,” we benefit from looking more closely at Paul’s warning to Timothy.
The inevitability of these times (1). Paul wants Timothy to “understand” these times “will come.” Some will fall away from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1). They will not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3). In each case, they exchange God’s truth for something they find more attractive. It is something that appeals to the flesh and appears to be a path of less resistance. Since the tendency to follow such a direction is always present, these times are going to repeatedly infiltrate cultures and societies.
The evidence of these times (2-8). How can we identify these difficult times? Paul gives nineteen characteristic traits! This is reminiscent of the Gentile transgressions of Romans 1:18-32, the lusts of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21), the “former manner of life” (Eph. 4:25-32), and the “things that are on the earth” (Col. 3:5-9).
The seeming key to the entire list is the first mark mentioned by Paul. When one goes from being a “lover of God” (4) to being a lover of self (2), any behavior is possible. These sins range from love of pleasure (4) to hatred of others (2-3), not loving good (3) to being religious pretenders (5). There are guilty predators and guilty prey (6). Some of these sins involve aggression and attitude, but others self-indulgence. Taken together, they are mindsets, behaviors, and desires that are at odds with divine truth. To this end, Paul illustrates with two figures that Jewish tradition tell us were Egyptian sorcerers who opposed Moses’ power with their magic (cf. Ex. 7:11; we read of them by name in Targum Ps.-Jonathan 1.3; 7.2; in Pliny, Natural History, 30.1.11 so that “Paul’s reference to them would have presented no problem for the church at Ephesus…. Even though the names do not occur in the OT text, there is no reason to doubt the reliability of the Jewish tradition,” Knight, NIGTC, 435). Their root problem was the root problem of these “lovers of self,” being “men corrupted in mind” (8).
Our world is consumed with a spirit of self-love in the sense that mankind is fueled by the desires of the flesh and mind (Eph. 2:3), crowding out what God commands and desires for us. When the creation acts contrary to the design of their creator, how could the times be anything other than difficult? We cannot change the entire world, but we can start by examining ourselves and helping others find God’s way–something Paul will discuss with Timothy next.
The outcome of these times (8-9). It may seem like those submitting to love of self are prevailing, but Paul understands how this will turn out. He tells Timothy, “Avoid such people” (5). Why? First, their futility (7). They are always learning and never able to come to the truth. How like much of academia today, ever in research and never in resolution. Second, their ineligibility (8). By opposing the truth, one disqualifies themselves from all that God wants to give a person. Third, their debility (9). They will not make ultimate progress. The rotten fruit of self-driven desires will ultimately be seen by all, as it was with Jannes and Jombres. That may happen in this life, but even if it doesn’t it will be evident at the final judgment (1 Tim. 5:24-25).
The Preacher Pollard Blog 