Daily Devotions
2 Timothy
"Their folly will be manifest to all..."
Text: 2 Timothy 3:9
A WORD OF COMFORT
Ominous were the words of revelation the apostle Paul had to write to Timothy. He minced no words in describing the false brethren who had crept into the church. However, Paul gave a word of encouragement and comfort to Timothy in the following text.
“But they will progress no further, for their folly
will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.”
2 Timothy 3:9
1. “But they will progress no further”
a) Some progress was noted.
i) These may have been accepted by the church.
ii) They may have fitted into the church initially.
b) “They will progress no further”
i) Their false ways would be noted along the way.
ii) They would not be allowed to carry on deceiving people.
iii) They would not be allowed to make further headway.
iv) The leaders in the church must stop them from making further inroads.
v) The threat to the church must be realised.
2. “Their folly will be manifest to all”
a) In time the foolishness of their ways would be made manifest.
i) The word “folly” may be translated as “stupidity”.
ii) Foolishness of thought and deed would be clearly evident.
b) True brethren and false brethren would be easily distinguished with the passage of time.
i) The characteristics are obvious.
ii) The discerning would be able to distinguish between the true and the false brethren.
3. “As theirs also was”
a) As in the case of Jannes and Jambres in the days of Moses.
b) As in the false brethren in the days of the apostle Paul.
OUR CHALLENGE TODAY
Let us seek to be wise and discerning even as we practise graciousness and kindness. Let us continue to be open to all who may come to our Church. But we must always be alert and aware that false brethren may creep into our midst. Our challenge is to remain faithful and deeply committed to a life that is distinguished by integrity and righteousness!