We use the phrase “rock bottom” to describe a situation that cannot get worse based on our perception. Sometimes it is used purely out of negativity to communicate how bad someone or something is, and other times it is a strange form of optimism – meaning the only way to go now is up. Either way, we know that few situations that are described as hitting the bottom have, in reality, reached that point.
Paul describes two realities that “will” happen. First, he says “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12); however, they will also be rescued by the Lord as he was (3:11). Paul knew that even though his circumstances looked bad, there are no immoveable forces against God’s ministry, nor is there anything standing in the way of his spiritual deliverance. Second, Paul says, “But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (3:13). There is no “rock bottom” for evil men and imposters when it comes to the business of deceiving and being deceived.
Brothers and sisters, the Scriptures (3:16) are what make the difference between someone who has limitless potential (3:17) and someone who is going to continue going from bad to worse (3:13). Do we want to be people who embrace truth, or those who further lead ourselves and others astray? As a congregation, let us never try to accomplish the Lord’s work without the Scriptures as our authority and guide.
In love,
Sage