Enemies of the trueth
Enemies of the truth
We are told to turn away from Enemies of the trueth.
1 Hee aduertiseth him of the times to come, 6 describeth the enemies of the trueth, 10 propoundeth vnto him his owne example, 16 and commendeth the holy Scriptures.
2 Timothy 3:
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Perilious in 2tim3:1 indicate that this is talking about physical salvation, salvation from physical death or some kind of harm.
We are not told to let ourselves be imprisoned or murdered by false accusers, but rather to turn away from them (verse 5) to avoid them.
Note that an Enemies of the trueth can be a professing believer. Note also that enemies of the truth can be someone close to you in your family, your pastor, your boss, your leader, your church leader, the person who is in charge over you, etc. This can create very difficult situations and for this I recommend prayers.
The word men in (2tim3:2) means men and women. So 2tim3 applies for both men and women.
Note also that all those who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution (2tim3:12).
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow. — KJV, Proverbs 25:18
A false accuser is described in the bible as a sword.
Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked. — KJV, Exodus 23:7
We should avoid a false accuser we can see even in exodus 23:7.
And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way by consent: for they commit lewdness. — KJV, Hosea 6:9
We should rejoice and be exceedingly glad when they falsely accuse us.
[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
— KJV, Matthew 5:10-12
How to deal with the enemies of the trueth ?
Turn away from them (2tim3:5). Flee from them.