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This whole section parallels 1Ti 4. Last days refers to the time preceding the Lord’s return and is characterized as terrible times. The particularizations given in 3:2-4 are a misuse and abuse of love (1Co 13:4-7). The dark situation is intensified in 3:5 with the characterization of people as having a form of godliness but denying its power. They are hypocrites. Consequently, Timothy is to have nothing to do with them. In keeping with 2:24-26, this means that we are not to endorse or follow their teachings but to seek to lead them to repentance.
In 3:6-9 Paul describes the actions of these hypocrites. Worm is an apt verb for their techniques, and is perhaps suggestive of their master. Their targets lack assurance of freedom from sin and power over temptations, and they are easy prey for false teaching. This would support the cultural situation where the Ephesian women have received a new freedom and status in Christ, but at least some have not yet fully appropriated the sound teaching and lifestyle required of a Christian. The hypocrites are like Jannes and Jambres, who in Jewish tradition were the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses (see Ex 7:22; 9:11). Oppose (v.8) is to stand against. Depraved (v.8) means “corrupt” (see 1Ti 6:5). Rejected (v.8) indicates that they did not pass muster so far as the faith is concerned. Those men refers to Jannes and Jambres, whose folly was clear to everyone.