2 Timothy 3

There were a few verses this morning that caught my attention in Paul's late counsel to Timothy.  Writing of the Savior  -

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an 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..."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 1:9)

That is a humbling statement that we have received callings, not because we are qualified, but according to His purpose and grace of which we were foreordained in the pre-mortal existence.

Paul also comparing one called as an athlete teaches -

"...if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 2:5)

Which suggests to me that to receive eternal life, we must comply or follow all conditions, ordinance, covenants, commandments as given to be crowned with such blessing.  Also as we serve in the Church we are told -

"...in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 2:20 - 21)

Even though Timothy must have seemed young in his calling, Paul admonishes him -

"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 2:22)

As Paul write Timothy, I sense the spirit of prophecy falls upon him, much like the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Liberty Jail, as he writes

"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."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:1 - 7)

Even -

"...evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:13)

I note that in our day, this sort "creep into houses" which suggests to me modern entertainment and technology.  Thus Timothy as well as all priesthood leaders are counseled to study the scriptures and -

"...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."  (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:14 - 17)