2 Timothy 3

1You should know this: in the last days there will be hard times.

2People will love only themselves and love money. They will brag and be proud. They will say evil things about God, disobey their parents, be ungrateful, and care nothing for what is holy.

3They will have no love, refuse to forgive, tell lies about others, and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.

4They will turn against their friends, act without thinking, and be full of pride. They will love pleasure instead of loving God.

5They will look religious on the outside, but they will deny its real power. Stay away from such people.

6Some of them sneak into homes and gain control over weak people who are loaded down with sins and led along by all kinds of wrong desires.

7These people are always learning, but they are never able to understand the truth.

8Just as Jannes and Jambres fought against Moses, these false teachers fight against the truth. Their minds are corrupt, and their faith is worthless.

9But they will not get very far. Their foolishness will be clear to everyone, just as it was with Jannes and Jambres.

10But you have followed my teaching, my way of life, my goals, my faith, my patience, my love, and my steadiness.

11You know about the times I was attacked and the suffering I went through in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I went through terrible attacks, but the Lord rescued me from all of them.

12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be attacked.

13But evil people and fakes will go from bad to worse, fooling others and being fooled themselves.

14But as for you, keep on with what you have learned and firmly believe. You know who taught you,

15and you know that from the time you were a child you have known the holy Scriptures. They are able to make you wise, leading to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

16All Scripture is given by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong, for correcting them, and for training them to do right,

17so that the servant of God may be ready, fully equipped for every good work.