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

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

⁶ In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

³ For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

¹¹ This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

⁶ We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin.

⁹ For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders.