2 Timothy 3:1 - Perilous times

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come.”

2 Timothy 3:1

One thing I love about getting older is that I grow spiritually. God gives me more knowledge of Himself and His Word. I learn to know Him more. He grows more dear and precious to me with each passing day. This excites me and makes my heart glad.  Maybe you can relate. One thing that saddens me as I get older is how the world is changing for the worse. Sin is becoming more and more acceptable. Jesus Christ, His Word, and His Way are becoming more and more “unpopular” in our culture. It is in other nations as well. This grieves me. Just yesterday I read an article about the UK. The UK is considering outlawing the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as it is “offensive.” Did you catch that? The belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God may be outlawed. Why? Because some believe that it is “offensive.” Please be in prayer for them. God warns us “that in the last days perilous times will come.” We know this. We have been forewarned. He warns us that the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3). They will believe a doctrine that sounds good to their itching ears. Thank God that Solid Rock Community Church has a pastor that believes and preaches the Word as It is. He gives us sound doctrine. Thank God for all the other ministers who preach/teach sound doctrine as well. May God bless them! God also informs us that scoffers and mockers are going to come in the last days. They will walk according to their own lusts (2 Peter 3:3; Jude 18). The Spirit says that some of the faith will depart from the faith. Their consciences will be seared. 1 Timothy 4:1 tells us that “the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” God also lets us know that the Antichrist and many antichrists will rise up. 1 John 2:18 tells us “it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour.” How are we going to be able to carry on? We are going to need His mercy and find His grace to help us in time of our need. We receive this by coming boldly to His throne of grace. Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” We are going to need to go to His throne each and every day, maybe even many times during the day. We are going to need His Word. We are also going to need to draw strength, hope, and encouragement from one another. May God be with you today. We know what is going to take place. May He help us to remain close to Him all throughout our lives. We don’t want to fall away. May our faith be sure, steadfast, immovable and strong. May our eyes stay on Him, the author and finisher of our faith. The world and the love of this world is not good, but our God in heaven is always good.

Lord, You have warned us that in the last days perilous times will come. Please keep us in the palm of Your hand. May our faith never waver. May it be sure, steadfast, immovable and strong.  Help us to be strong in the Lord and in the power of Your might. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.