2 Timothy 3:6-9 (NIV2011)
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.
Paul continues to give us a picture of what the last day apostates will be like. The way they lead people astray is reminiscent of Genesis 3 and the serpent who deceived Eve. What they do is befriend a family and once they are allowed to preach their vile within the home the women become the most susceptible to their message.
The motive for the apostate is to bring as many as he can into his camp to support his desires. Those desires can run from monetary gain to sexual perversity. Power and control become the driving force behind the message.
We see some of the apostates that Paul has alluded to in today’s society. David Koresh and the Branch Davidian’s in Waco Texas reflect some of what Paul alludes to here. The women were the greatest disciple’s even giving some of the underage daughter ‘s in spiritual marriage to Koresh. Spiritual marriages were accepted by the cultists as proper and scriptural.
Jim Jones and the “Peoples Temple” which lead to the Jonestown Massacre is another example of what a charismatic leader can accomplish through indoctrination and intimidation. Rev. Jones claimed that he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and had divine powers. He forced his congregation to drink poisoned Kool Aid after he killed a congressman and several of his team who were investigating him.
These may be extreme examples of today’s cults, but their methods are the same and they prey upon those who have a minimal knowledge of scripture and who seem to be trapped in a life that offers nothing but heartache. These are the gullible women who are looking for escape from their lives, hoping for something better. They are constantly looking for the truth, but are never able to find it. The knowledge they seek is found only in a deeper understanding of biblical truth and not the surface knowledge that is so prevalent today. They become the victims of the many apostates who prey on them.
Paul gives us two examples of how these apostates operate. Jannes and Jambres are traditional names of the Egyptian priests who opposed Moses. They were either in Pharaohs court when Moses asked for the release of God’s people and mimicked some of the miracles Moses performed, or they were Egyptian priests who went with Moses after the Jews were permitted to leave. They could have been instrumental in leading the rebellion at Sinai when Aaron made the golden calf while Moses was on the mountain receiving the law of God.
The important fact about the two is that they opposed God. They are not true prophets but are in opposition to the truth. They masquerade as prophets of the truth but only bring destruction to those who are gullible enough to believe their lie.
Their lie will be found out and will become evident to everyone. Just as Jannes and Jambres were unable to mimic all the plagues that Moses brought upon Egypt so also will the deeds of the end time apostates be revealed for the lies that they are. These apostates are those spoken of by Paul in 2 Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NIV2011)
3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
It is only through the knowledge of the truth that the church can protect itself. That truth cannot be watered down as is the case today. It is only through understanding the truths of the scripture that we can understand the deceitfulness of the false prophets and apostates who have a message of that seems correct, but leads to eternal damnation.
Proverbs 14:12 (NIV2011)
12 There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV2011)
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Which gate and path are you on? What truth do you believe? Are your truths consistent with the clear teaching of Scripture? Do you understand the truths of Scripture? These are important questions to ponder.
Maranatha
Good to see you back at it Joe!!