“For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy…” (2 Timothy 3:2)
Paul warned Timothy that one of the signs of the deterioration of a society is that people will become lovers of self. Interestingly enough, the modern mantra that you must “love yourself” has become so ubiquitous that it is generally acknowledged as a basic truth that we should, at all times, love ourselves. Scriptures instead say the opposite.
There are parts of myself I believe I should not love at all, and I suspect the same is true for you. Some aspects of my character and my desires are entirely reprehensible and not deserving of love – in fact, they ought to be expunged completely. To love myself as I am assumes that there is nothing about me that is anything less than perfect, and to say that is to call God a liar (see 1 John 1:8) and nullify the cross.
There are parts of all of us which are so miserably unlovable and wretched that we should weep over them (see James 4:9). To love myself is not the answer, nor is it the philosophy to live by. I need saving. I need Jesus (see Romans 7:24-25).
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-9
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision