Paul does not give a positive picture of the ‘last days’ (v1-5). The ‘last days’ are generally accepted as being the time between Jesus’ first coming and His second coming at the end of the world. Paul’s description of people during this time is not pretty (v2-4). Go through these traits carefully one by one and confess where you are guilty of them and seek Christ’s forgiveness and cleansing.

The shocking thing is that Paul is saying that these traits are common in religious people (v5). It is possible to be going through the motions of religion, to be involved in the life of the church but still be consumed with these sins as we don’t have a real and ongoing walk with Christ. This is why self-examination is very important for us all.

Paul has in mind particular people who are even leaders and teachers in the church who are leading others astray (v6-7). The Jannes and Jambres mentioned in v8 are according to Jewish writings the magicians who opposed Moses when he went to Pharaoh to ask for the Israelites to be granted their freedom. False teachers are dangers but in the end their efforts will fail (v9).

We need to be watchful for false teaching today. Even Christians can share many unbiblical viewpoints on life. We must always be watchful and keep close to Christ and His truth. The more saturated our thinking is with God’s word the easier it will be for us to spot false teaching.