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. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-6 NKJV
Never before can I remember a time in history where people have been so focused on themselves. We see it all around us. It’s in our political arenas. It’s in our schools and our places of employment. It can even be seen in churches and is widespread on social media.
We are also seeing a lot of Isaiah 5:20 going on all around us today. Isaiah 5:20, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who put darkness for light and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.” Things are pretty twisted in today’s world.
Missionary Spencer Smith says, “Things are looking really good because things are looking really bad.” As we see the degradation of human beings and the evil that is all around us, we know we are in the last days. Jesus is coming soon. How soon? Well, we really don’t know. Only God, Himself, knows the answer to that one.
We should not worry or fret because God’s got this. We are told in Psalm 37:1-3, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good: dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.”
I would love to tell you things are going to get better, but if you study your Bible, you know this will not be the case. We can, however, trust in God to keep His promises. He promises protection in Psalm 91.
Romans 8:28 tells us He will work all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Some biblical scholars will tell you there is not going to be a rapture, but I disagree. I base my belief on numerous Scripture passages including Daniel 9:24-27 and 12:1-2, Matthew 24, Mark 13:32-37, Luke 17:34-37, Acts 1:9-11, Colossians 3:4, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 2 Peter 3:10, and Revelation 1:7. We must be ready.
The evil behavior we see all around us is a sign that we should not ignore. Now is the time to draw near to the Lord. Now is the time to surrender your life to Him. Now is the time to put Him first.
None of us know when we will die and none of us know when the rapture will occur. Passages say in the blink of an eye is how quickly it will occur.
In Philippians 3:2, Paul wrote, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers and beware of the mutilation.” He wasn’t referring to our pets, in those days dogs were wild, vicious animals. He also warned us to beware of evil workers. Our Scripture passage for today lists a hosts of personal problems people will be dealing with as they put themselves first and ignore their Lord and Savior. It lists the behaviors that will be exhibited in a society where people see no need for Jesus in their life. Don’t be alarmed by them, the Bible tells us to stay away from them. Live your life in a way that shows them Christ and hope they will see what is missing in theirs but keep a safe distance.
And don’t fret, God’s got this. He warned us. What is happening today is biblical. When people complain about the current condition of the world or our political leaders I have begun to respond with one of two answers. Either “It is biblical, ” or simply “2 Timothy 3:1-6”.
Study your Bible. God has laid out His plans for us. Don’t be alarmed, what’s happening today is biblical. It’s a good sign that Jesus is coming soon.
Have a great day!