³ Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires.

¹⁸ They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires.

¹⁰ He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority.

These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at supernatural beings^[a] without so much as trembling.

Warnings against False Teachers

4 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. ² These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.^[a]

¹⁶ These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.

² We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this.

²⁰ Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding,^[a]

The Dangers of the Last Days

3 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.