Like Paul and Timothy, we are living in the Last Days - the period between the death, resurrection and ascension of the Lord Jesus, and when He physically returns to rule as King and Judge.  That time started by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, causing many to call out to the Lord for mercy (Acts 2:17-21), and will culminate in the peaceful reign of Christ (Isaiah 2:2).  But it is also a time of spiritual turmoil in which evil grows to challenge the faith of believers.  Without Christ, human nature will unpredictably express itself in ways that are destructive to other people.
 
Paul’s list of sins against other people is as familiar today as in the 1st Century.  The keys to their motivation come at the beginning and end of the list of behaviours.  They “will be lovers of themselves” and “lovers of pleasure”.  As they elevate themselves, other people are put down.  Self-lovers are proud.  Pleasure-lovers become addicted to satisfying their lusts.  These may be marked by boastful speech and abusive behaviour and younger people despise their parents’ instructions.  When that is considered to be normal, people grow up with darkened hearts (Romans 1:21) and out-of-control destructive lifestyles.  

Strangely, some people who behave in that way assume that they are acceptable to God (even though they may not be confident of His existence or identity), particularly if they engage in religious practices.  But no spiritual ritual can change a heart that will not repent; they have no power to transform anybody’s life.  However, some of those people liked to get into churches and preach a different gospel that agrees with what they are doing (Galatians 1:6-9).  But Paul instructed Timothy that although they might seek a dialogue to share their views, Timothy should have nothing to do with them.

It should not surprise us that when people become followers of Jesus Christ, they will bring old habits with them into the church.  However, when they are in Christ, He has divine power to change them; and wise pastors will teach them from the Scriptures to please the Lord.  But those who are still rebellious against the Lord (even though they may be religious) will have no inner desire to change, and no power to do so.  Although it may seem strange, Paul’s instruction to Timothy is wise – do not allow them to spread their poison to corrupt those who are learning to live godly lives in Christ Jesus (Titus 2:12).  What we believe shapes how we behave, so guard yourself against believing or allowing others to teach lies.