Technological innovation, higher standards of living, changes in political systems, and all the marks of modern life have not changed the human condition. People are still lovers of themselves, money, and pleasure, prideful, abusive, ungrateful, and treacherous, just like in Paul’s time. People may even have a form of godliness, but their lifestyle and lack of faith deny its power. People’s gullibility and sinful desires are exploited for selfish gain by those of depraved minds.

In stark contrast, godly people live with purpose, faith, patient endurance through all kinds of suffering, and most of all, love. A godly life in Christ Jesus brings persecution because such a life rebukes the people of the world of their evil. Persecution and other pressures from the world are discouraging. But we overcome the world when we continue to live out what we’ve learned about being a Christian and following Jesus. Therefore, studying the God-breathed, Holy Scriptures is critical for our faith. God’s word makes us wise for salvation and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.

We are living in the last days (1) before Jesus’ glorious return. Hold onto God’s word.
Application: Father, thank you for salvation in Jesus, which I’ve received from your word. Help me to continue in what I have learned and to grow.
One Word: Continue to be faithful to Jesus