But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
In my last post, we opened by reading a passage from Jesus’ lips:
Then He spoke to them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
Luke 21:29-33
In this passage, Jesus is telling us (through His written gospel) that it is our responsibility to watch for the signs of His second coming and of the end of the age. Let that thought sink in. It is OUR responsibility to keep watch and recognize the coming of the end of the age. And that is where we are going to start. In this post, we will begin looking at a few passages that we ended with in the last post.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Let’s unpack this passage. In context, Paul is writing to a young evangelist by the name of Timothy. He is encouraging Timothy to be strong in his faith, to preach the gospel with courage, and be ready to defend his position on the Word of God. And right in the middle of his instruction, he gives Timothy a warning regarding the “last days”. Why would he do that? Does Paul not know that the last days would be long in coming? It is likely that he does not. God had given Paul great knowledge regarding things to come. But he had not given him a sense of the exact time. In fact, no one has been given the exact time or date. Many scholars are fond of quoting these words of Jesus:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Matthew 24:36-37
And:
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
Mark 13:32
We will likely spend some significant time on these passages in future posts. Here, though, we will focus on context. Most of the scholars that use these passages to debate (and sometimes scoff) at end-timers fail to read and recognize the very next verse:
Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.
Mark 13:33
Here, Jesus is telling us that we must watch! And pray. This is known as the Doctrine of Imminence. It is said that many early church leaders were known to often look over their shoulder and search the sky, looking for Jesus to return. Whether this is indeed true is lost in the memories of those long past. But that the story exists at all is an indication of the presence of this doctrine all the way back to the early days of the church. So it is no wonder that Paul is warning Timothy about what will happen in the last days.
This warning to watch and pray, however, has a purpose. And its purpose may be bearing out in our world today. In His Word, our Creator has given us clues to help navigate the treacherous paths that we may encounter. These specific clues given to Timothy are actually meant for those that are living during the last days. Let’s begin to examine them.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Perilous times. The word used here for perilous describes something that is fierce; hard to take, hard to bear. There are currently uprisings all over the world. In America, we see violent riots in many large cities stemming from a rage over ideological differences. While there are certainly well-meaning people engaging in what they deem to be peaceful demonstrations, these are often getting swept into the same prideful rage that exists as a well planned undercurrent in these same cities. It is not hard to look at these violent demonstrations and see waves of people that are selfish, prideful, blasphemous, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, having no self control, brutal in their violence, and all of the other characteristics mentioned by Paul in the passage above. The actions and behaviors of these lawless people are abhorrent; and yet many in the news media actively support and laud this behavior. Why is this? Because it is all driven from the same source – the enemy of our souls. It is a means to justify engagement in destructive behaviors, and regardless of the knowledge of the perpetrator of these behaviors, destruction is the ultimate intent.
While these demonstrations and acts of violence seemed to start in America, it is very interesting (and important) to recognize that they have spread across the globe. Europe, Australia, and Asia have all seen united efforts to spread the story of systemic racism, the rebellion of all authority, and the accompanying violent responses. At no time in history have such vocal and powerful people-groups around the world become so aligned in their rebellious hatred. And this hatred is aimed at three primary people groups: white people, people in authority, and those that hold to Christian and Biblical morality. Is this simply an expected result of our highly interconnected social world? Or is it far more planned, deadly and insidious? Let’s see what Jesus has to say about this very subject:
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin; but now they have seen and also hated both Me and My Father. But this happened that the word might be fulfilled which is written in their law, They hated Me without a cause.’
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.
“These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.
John 15:18 – 16:4a, NKJV (formatting added by the author for emphasis)
You see, these are things that Jesus told us would happen in the last days. Have these things (persecution, hatred of both Christians and Jews, etc.) happened before? Absolutely. But have they happened in such a global and orchestrated way? No. This time it is different. Those that are aligned with the world and its evil goals and pleasures are quickly separating from those that are intentionally aligned with the Father, the Son and Savior, Godly righteousness, holiness and Biblical truth. And those that are in the middle are going to soon have to choose a side.
Yes, Jesus told us that these things would happen in the last days. He told us that we would be persecuted, and in some cases put to death. And He gave us a reason that He told us these things:
”These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.”
John 16:1a
He told us these things so that we would not stumble, but we should stand firm. Stand firm on what? Our faith in Jesus, our salvation, and the truth of His Word. It is this faith that allows us to remain strong when under trial. Certainly my readers have seen current examples of those that have stood firm in their faith to their very death. It has been happening not only in the Middle East, but across the globe, in places and ways that are hidden from view. Yes, we will face persecution. But that is not where the story ends. You see, Jesus gave us other thoughts as well. He gave us the end game.
“But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
Mark 13:9-13
He who endures to the end shall be saved. In a future post, God willing, we will examine Jesus’ letters to the churches in the Book of the Revelation. Several of these letters amplify on the rewards for those who endure. But until then, let us be joyful that our endurance will result in our ultimate salvation. And what a glorious salvation that will be! Hallelujah; come Lord Jesus! Selah.
We have so much more to cover. In my next post, we will discuss the medical catastrophe that has overtaken so much of our world this year – Covid 19. My readers may be amazed about what this virus truly represents, and what it says about our times.
May God richly bless your study of His amazing Word!
Until next time, through Jesus with much love,
YouJi