Self Love In The Last Times, by Donald Norbie
Donald Norbie
Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-5
The general condition of mankind will make life difficult for Christians and the Gospel. Paul gives a lengthy description of men in those days. It is not that each person will reveal all of these characteristics, but these will characterize the world’s culture in the end times. Evil and selfishness will be rampant.
There are nineteen descriptive terms that Paul uses. There does not seem to be a formal or logical progression in the list, although there are certain groupings. It is a passionate description of evil, rather than a methodical analysis.
The first two go together, “self-lovers” and “money-lovers.” An obsession with self characterizes many today. There is worship of the human body, a probing of one’s thought processes, psychoanalysis, concern about self-esteem, self-realization, self-fulfillment. Commitment in marriage is marginal; self-realization must not be jeopardized. And love of money goes hand-in-hand with this self-worship. Money will enable one to live luxuriously, to drive an expensive car, to travel, to pamper self.
Self-occupation will lead one to being boastful and arrogant, overbearing. He is self-centered and does not value others or their achievements. Unless others contribute to his own pleasure, they are useless. Such attitudes will lead one to speak evil of others. To criticize and to malign others elevates self at their expense. It is a negative form of pride.
This is followed by “disobedient to parents.” The first commandment of the Decalogue to deal with human relationships stresses respect for parents (Exod. 20:12). It is in the home that respect for others, for law and authority is learned. The fabric of society is being torn apart then the discipline of the home is destroyed.
To disobey parents is to show that one is unthankful. It is another evidence of self-love. Parents have given their children life and care in their helpless years. To dishonor and disobey them is to proclaim one’s unthankfulness. And, of course, this extends to God. The selfish person ignores the God who blesses him. Such are “unholy,” “impious,” respecting neither God nor man.
Even brute beasts show affection for their young and for their family members. Man’s self-love has destroyed even “natural affection” (v. 3). Divorce and child abuse reveal this tragic breakdown. There is a hardness that follows, “implacable,” unforgiving, no desire for reconciliation. Such hardness leads to “slander” of any who oppose. Men become vicious in their attempts to justify self.
“Traitors” (v. 4) feel no loyalty except to self. People are to be used, not cherished. They are “headstrong,” impetuous, driven by impulse rather than reason. “Haughty” or “puffed up” describes them. There is no brokenness over sin and failure; only arrogance and defiance.
“Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” – what an indictment! Men are driven by hedonism, a lust to satisfy their senses. There is a constant search for greater sensual excitement and God is ignored.
With all their selfishness there is still a desire to appear religious. Man is incurably religious. But it is only an external form without life or spiritual power – “having the form of godliness but denying the power” (v. 5).
This is hypocritical religion with its forms and liturgy without knowing the regenerating power of the Gospel. This is religion which baptizes babies1 and tells people that they are all Christians, but does not call them to repentance and personal faith. This is religion which has perverted the Gospel of grace into a religion of works. From this hypocritical religion, Timothy, “from such people constantly turn away.” These are enemies of the cross, not brothers in the faith.
Donald Norbie, 2 Timothy and Titus, pp. 48-50, Walterick Publishers, Kansas City, 1992
