In chapter 3, Paul continues warns Timothy about being influenced by people who aren’t following Jesus. Paul urges Timothy to instead imitate the life that Paul has been developing:

• embracing the teaching of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
• using the Word of God to instruct your way of life
• staying focused on your purpose of helping other find and follow Jesus
• developing a faith (trust in God) that endures through difficulties 
• remaining patient with people and circumstances that are long-suffering
• loving others not merely as a feeling but an action to carry out
• enduring in all things

This instruction is accompanied by 3 warnings from Paul:

1. Beware of what or who influences you.
2. Beware of never committing to Jesus.
3. Beware that disobedience to God makes you vulnerable to deception.