Note 11 at 2 Tim. 3:3: Paul exhorts Timothy to faithfulness (see note 9 at this v.) using three comparisons.

First, Paul wants Timothy to have the commitment of a soldier. Soldiers don't involve themselves in civilian affairs (see note 12 at v. 4 ). They don't have the time. They are totally at their commander's command. They forsake everything for the cause for which they are fighting. They are willing to sacrifice their lives.

Second, Paul admonishes Timothy to have the discipline of an athlete (see note 13 at v. 5). Athletes don't win unless they discipline their minds and bodies. They undergo rigorous physical training to condition their bodies. They have to give up many of the social and physical things most of us enjoy. That takes discipline of the mind. Christians should do no less for the cause of Christ.

Third, Paul tells Timothy to have the faith and patience of a farmer (see note 14 at v. 6). Farmers don't see instantaneous results. There is much hard work done before there is any visible sign that a crop is coming. With time the yield comes and the farmer who worked the field is the first to benefit from the harvest.

Likewise, Christian leaders can't be distracted by the ups and downs of the moment. They have to think long-term. We have to plant God's Word in people's hearts and trust that in time the Word will do its work and bring forth fruit. That takes faith and patience.

Note 12 at 2 Tim. 3:3: WITHOUT NATURAL AFFECTION: This phrase has been translated "unloving" (NASV), "heartless" (CEV), "inhuman" (RSV), "dog-eat-dog" (The Message), and without love (NIV). The Greek word "ASTORGOS" from which this whole phrase "without natural affection" was translated literally means, "hard-hearted towards kindred" (Strong). This is speaking of the breaking down of the family (see note 8 at Rom. 1:31, p. 748). Jesus also prophesied this in Matthew 10:21.

Note 13 at 2 Tim. 3:3: TRUCEBREAKERS: "Trucebreakers" is "ASPONDOS." The word is made up of SPONDE, "a libation'," which is a kind of sacrifice, which accompanied the making of treaties and pacts. The Alpha prefix, negates the word, and it means "refusing to enter into a treaty, irreconcilable, implacable" (Wuest's Word Studies, Vol.2, p.144).

Can anyone doubt that we are in the days Paul is speakink of, when we look at this signs of the times? There has been an unprecedented proliferation of lawyers in our time because no one's word means anything today. Even contracts are only as good as your lawyer.

Note 14 at 2 Tim. 3:3: FALSE ACCUSERS: "False accusers" is translated from the Greek word "DIABOLOS" and is translated by the English as "slanders" (1 Tim. 3:11), "false accusers" (2 Tim. 3:3; Titus 2:3), and "devil" (2 Tim. 2:26; Heb. 2:14; 1 Jn.3:8). It was used metaphorically of "a man who, by opposing the cause of God, may be said to act the part of the devil or to side with him" (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon).

The New American Standard translates this Greek word as "malicious gossips."

Note 15 at 2 Tim. 3:3: INCONTINENT: This English word means, "not continent; especially, lacking in restraint" (NAHD). The Greek word "AKRATES" from which "incontinent" was translated means, "powerless, lacking self-control." Obviously, incontinence is an over indulgence of self (see note 4 at v. 2), and is rampant in our society today.

Note 16 at 2 Tim. 3:3: FIERCE: "Fierce" means "not tame, or savage" (Thayer).

Note 17 at 2 Tim. 3:3: DESPISERS OF THOSE THAT ARE GOOD: This phrase comes from the Greek word "APHILAGATHOS" and means "opposed to goodness and good men" (Thayer) or "hostile to virtue" (Strong).

Not too many years ago, our heroes were godly men and women who possessed traits of virtue. Today the people who are popular are often terribly messed up individuals who should be pitied instead of revered. There has actually been a reversal so that we call good evil, and evil good (Isa. 5:20), fulfilling this prophecy. Godly people are ridiculed and evil men and women are glamorized.

The reason this has happened is because of an over inflated love of self (see note 4 at v. 2). By making "jerks" our heroes, it has lowered the standard; therefore lessened our own convictions.