IN THE LAST DAYS

Paul, an apostle, wrote to Timothy,

“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. Avoid such people.” (2Timothy 3:1-5)

People who study the big books say that Paul wrote this from his prison cell in Rome 64-65 AD or perhaps 67 AD. It appears what was going on then is still going on in our ‘last days.’ This cultural reference by Paul is not much unlike the way we might survey our culture. I think almost any casual study of history would clearly show that the ‘last days’ was strongly on some hearts and minds depending on where/what conditions they were living under at any given time historically.

The descriptions of evil are the same in any generation, just as Paul made his list and we could make ours and add to his. Is it worse than it once was? Maybe. I would try to make that case just like my parents did and their parents did and their parents did.
Paul mentions that as well, “evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (3:13)

Our only option is to live more carefully, intentionally and Godly as we confront the enemy. Only by being empowered by the Holy Spirit do we have a chance. Otherwise we compare with (3:5), “having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will receive from me what is mine and will tell it to you.” Jesus