This chapter gives special direction for serving the Lord when many believers around you no longer want to listen to sound doctrine. Notice two different time periods in verse 1. The Lord will judge the living unbelievers when He appears (see “E” on chart), and 1,000 years later, He will judge unbelievers, the dead and the living ones at the end of the millennium “F” on chart.
V.1-2 Because of the dark days that were ahead, it was all the more urgent that Timothy should preach the word faithfully and at all times. The days of our witness are almost ended. Let us also take this exhortation to heart. Notice that the warning for us in these last days is against religious and ecclesiastical evil. “They will not endure sound doctrine,” some get very angry when this point is stressed. This is exactly what verse 3 foretells. “Itching ears” refers to the listeners. They want teachers who say interesting but possibly false things (v. 3-4).
V.5-8 Paul knew that he would soon be gone, and he encourages Timothy to carry on faithfully.
V.8 Refers to the time when the Lord will come out of heaven with us to judge, and to set up His kingdom (not when He comes for us). If we love someone, we are glad to see him honored. If you and I really love that coming day when Christ shall be King and rule over this world, the result will be that you and I will live for Him today, and each day of our life. It is the day when He shall appear before the world (see Rev. 19:11-1611And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11‑16)).
V.10 It says Demos loved this present world, (not evil world). It is so easy to do this a little at a time. May we not be guilty.
V.11-22 Paul’s greetings to those whom he loved very dearly, some of whom had served the Lord with him for many years. So Paul lays down his pen.