English
Scripture Summary
2 Timothy 3:6-9 NIV
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.
Reflection on the Scripture:
We often see news about fraud, and such acts are utterly detestable. Fraudsters exploit vulnerabilities, taking advantage of people’s greed, their desire for quick and easy gains, and their wish to reap rewards without effort. This is precisely Satan’s expertise. The apostle Peter warns: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8) In this passage, the apostle Paul points to women who fall victim to deception. Their sinful desires make them like unstable reeds swaying in the wind. Though they may seem to be always learning, their impure motives—focused on fulfilling selfish desires—prevent them from truly understanding God’s revelation. This is akin to those who witnessed Jesus’ miracles and heard His teachings but still refused to believe. Such women lack discernment and believe anything they hear, making them prime targets for deception. Unknowingly, they become opponents of the truth, for truth is singular and exclusive. Paul warns that both deceivers and the deceived bear responsibility. The one true God is all-knowing, and no one can hide from Him. As the saying goes, “The truth cannot be hidden for long.” God will never consider the guilty innocent (Numbers 14:18). Proverbs cautions against being swayed by sweet talk: "When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart." (Proverbs 26:25) James also reminds us not to be lured by our desires, as they lead to death (James 1:14-15). David shares his personal experience, proclaiming that no one can hide from God’s sight (Psalm 139), and he encourages people to treasure God’s Word in their hearts to avoid sinning against Him (Psalm 119:11). We are urged to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). Beyond merely avoiding deception, we can know God’s will and receive eternal blessings through obedience. God reminded Joshua: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8) Paul advises: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8) The author of Hebrews highlights the power of God’s Word: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Do you deceive others? Are you easily deceived? How will you equip yourself to avoid deceiving or being deceived?
Response through Hymn:
Thy Words
https://youtu.be/a6LC8cu03Ig?si=fDmws4RfO0DqMyBy
祢的话
今要主自己
I give you my heart