Daily Reading 10-20-16
2 Timothy 3:1-9 New Living Translation (NLT)
How would you describe godliness? What behaviors would be consistent with a godly person? Would it be attending church services, quoting Scripture, and practicing religious traditions? All Scripture teaches that godliness is consistent with the character of Jesus Christ who is Truth. The Holy Spirit brings forth love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, thoughtfulness, and self-control. Devotion to Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit is the only way to grow in godly character.
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul warns Timothy that in the last days godlessness not godliness would be advancing. In fact, Paul describes future societies and cultures driven by godlessness. In the last days, even people who identify themselves as Christians will deny the power that could make them godly. That means the Holy Spirit is grieved or quenched and not welcome to make even professing Christians holy and set apart from the world.
2 Timothy 3:1-9 The Dangers of the Last Days
3 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.
Prayer: Father, please continue to work in my soul to grow in the godly character of Christ my Savior. I know I must follow Christ and make that journey. Holy Spirit I welcome your power to change me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.