How can we recognize "men who oppose the truth" in today's society? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Warning in 2 Timothy 3:8 “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith.” (2 Timothy 3:8) Key Characteristics of Those Who Oppose the Truth • Oppose God’s appointed messengers (as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses) • Actively fight against revealed truth rather than merely misunderstanding it • Possess “depraved” or corrupted minds—thinking that has been twisted away from God’s standards • “Disqualified” concerning the faith—failing God’s test of genuine belief and obedience Where These Traits Show Up Today • Undermining Scripture’s authority—labeling clear passages as outdated or symbolic only • Promoting moral standards that contradict what God calls righteous (Isaiah 5:20) • Mocking the exclusivity of Christ (John 14:6) and redefining the gospel into self-help or social activism alone • Elevating human wisdom, science, or popular consensus above God’s Word (1 Corinthians 1:18–20) • Displaying persistent hypocrisy—public virtue-signaling while living in hidden sin (Matthew 23:27–28) Supporting Scripture That Broadens Our Discernment • 2 Timothy 3:1-5 — a fuller list of last-days behaviors: “lovers of self… lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” • 1 John 4:1-3 — “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” • Jude 4 — “certain men… pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” • Acts 20:29-30 — wolves will arise “speaking perversions, to draw away the disciples.” • 2 Peter 2:1-3 — false teachers will “secretly introduce destructive heresies.” • John 8:44 — Satan is “a liar and the father of lies,” so deceit marks his followers. Practical Discernment Checklist 1. Measure every message against the plain meaning of Scripture (Acts 17:11). 2. Observe life-fruit: is there repentance and holiness, or habitual sin masked by words (Matthew 7:15-20)? 3. Look for humility under God’s authority versus prideful self-promotion (James 4:6). 4. Watch consistency: do private actions match public teaching (1 Timothy 4:16)? 5. Note attitude toward Christ’s exclusivity and cross-centered gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). Living Alert Yet Hopeful Recognizing those who oppose the truth guards the church from deception and keeps believers focused on Christ’s unchanging Word. Hold fast to Scripture, walk in integrity, and “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3). |
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