In his two letters to Timothy, the Apostle Paul includes instruction in spiritual warfare. Paul associates the conditions of this warfare specifically to "the last days" (1 Tim. 4:1, 2 Tim. 3:1), which he refers to as "perilous times". The condition of men's hearts have so degenerated, that it is dangerous to them, and to believers around them. Paul states that, among other things, men in these last days have become blasphemers, false accusers, fierce, despisers of those that are good, and traitors (2 Tim. 3:2-4). Some of these even have an outward appearance of godliness, but, in truth, they deny God's power and authority (2 Tim. 3:5). We can see these same dangerous traits in our times, which are indeed the last days before the return of Christ. It is in the midst of these circumstances that Paul instructs Timothy, and us also.
Paul's beginning comments to Timothy also reveal his beginning stance regarding all of these things:
"...without ceasing, I have remembrance of thee in my prayers day and night." 2 Tim. 1:3
Paul makes the definitive statement that we are in a warfare (1 Tim. 6:12, 2 Tim. 2:3-4), comparing believers to soldiers who go to war. Paul's stand in this warfare begins with his continual prayer for Timothy and the saints, and that is where our stand begins also. Are we praying for the saints faithfully and continually?
The warfare in which Paul instructs Timothy could be described as having three levels. The first level of warfare pertains to Timothy, himself. Paul instructs Timothy to understand the nature of his calling:
"...God who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." 2 Tim. 1:8-9
Our calling is from the will of God, given to us through Christ, even before the world was formed. We are not to be ashamed of that calling, or of others who suffer because of that calling. It is a holy, supernatural, eternal thing.
Timothy is to keep, or hold fast, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the scriptures and spiritual principles that he has learned from Paul, and throughout his spiritual training (1 Tim. 6:20, 2 Tim. 1:13-14, 3:14), and to continue studying the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). We will see that the knowledge of the Word of God plays a vital role in the next level of warfare.
Timothy is also instructed to endure through, and be a partaker of, suffering and hardship (2 Tim. 1:8, 2:3, 9-12). We cannot expect to reign with Christ if we refuse to share in the sufferings of Christ. Are we willing to share the sufferings and hardships that come with standing in the truth of Christ, or do we fear them, and avoid them? Paul tells us that fear is not to have any part in our holy and eternal calling (2 Tim. 1:7). Many saints across the world have had to endure extreme suffering and hardships because of their faith in Christ. Yet so many of us back away from hardship, and hide our faith in the face of it.
Paul also warns Timothy of the corrupting, sorrowful, and destructive power of the love of money and wealth, describing this love of money as the root of all evil (1 Tim. 6:5-11). Paul tells Timothy to flee from this particular love and pursuit. We flee from this powerful lust by committing ourselves to contentment with godliness. As we flee from this evil lust, and other youthful lusts (2 Tim. 2:22), we flee towards righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness.
Moving outward to the next level of warfare described, Paul instructs Timothy about the dangers of those who speak or teach lies, causing harm to those who believe them (2 Tim. 2:14, 3:6-7). On one hand, there will be those who teach the lies, sometimes in pursuit of wealth, but on the other hand, there will be those who are looking for lies in which to believe (2 Tim. 4:3-4). This is especially the case in these latter times:
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron;...evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived...ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of truth." 1 Tim. 4:1-2, 2 Tim. 3:13, 7
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears." 2 Tim. 4:3
This is the level of warfare that requires a sound knowledge of the Word of God. Timothy is to remind himself, and other believers the true words of faith and good doctrine that we have received (1 Tim. 4:6). He is to instruct those who are in error with meekness, gentleness and patience, with the goal that they might find repentance with God (2 Tim. 2:23-26). Timothy is to preach the Word, always being ready to do so (2 Tim. 4:2) because:
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" 2 Tim. 3:16-17
Paul tells Timothy to do the work of an evangelist (bringer of good tidings), which is the full proof of his ministry (2 Tim. 4:5). We all have this same work. The Word and the salvation of God is good news! Men need the good news in these last days. They need to hear the truth that has come to stand against the lies that destroy faith and lives.
As Paul instructs Timothy to be diligent in his study, rightly dividing the Word (2 Tim. 2:15), we also need to prepare ourselves by studying the Word of God, and learning the Word from faithful servants of Truth. The Word is both our defensive, and offensive tool against the lies that have been released in these last days. We have no excuse for continued ignorance and laziness regarding the Word of God.
The third level of warfare that Paul revealed to Timothy is the most far-reaching, and unfortunately the most overlooked, even neglected. The results of this warfare can change the very conditions around us. For this warfare, Timothy is instructed once again to use prayer:
"I exhort therefore that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim. 2:1-4
How many of us pray, and give thanks for all men? How many of us pray for those in leadership and authority over us? We, the Church, have become so politicized and polarized by the spirit of this world, that we have forgotten:
"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will." Prov. 21:1
The effects of these prayers of thanksgiving and supplication for all men, and especially for those who lead us, are salvation, peaceful living, honesty, and godliness-the very things which we desire to see most in these times. However we may feel about all men and leaders, we are exhorted to pray for them with thanksgiving. Our conflicting opinions and feelings are not relevant in the face of the expressed thoughts, will, and Word of God, "who will have all men saved".
We need to pay attention to the groundwork of warfare that Paul revealed and instructed in his letters to Timothy. It is the Word of the LORD for the time in which we live.
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