The Perilous Times and the Path of Righteousness
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-4
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”
Introduction:
Beloved, we are living in what can only be described as the “last days” foretold in Scripture. The times are perilous, filled with challenges that shake the very foundation of morality and righteousness. In 2 Timothy 3:1-4, the Apostle Paul warns us of the characteristics of people in these times—an era marked by self-centeredness, materialism, and a turning away from God.
The description he gives is not only a prophecy but a vivid reflection of the world we live in today. As we examine this passage, let us seek guidance on how to stand firm in our faith and navigate these difficult days with spiritual discernment, steadfastness, and hope.
1. Recognizing the Perilous Times (Verse 1)
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”
Paul begins with a solemn reminder: these perilous times are not a possibility but a certainty. The “last days” refer to the time between Christ’s first coming and His second, and we, too, are living in these days of difficulty. Every generation experiences signs of moral decay, but today it seems magnified by the reach of modern technology and the erosion of biblical values in society.
We are surrounded by confusion, fear, and darkness. From global conflicts to economic hardships, from rising crime rates to social injustice, these “times of difficulty” affect us all. However, we must not be discouraged. As believers, we have been equipped with the Word of God to navigate these challenging times, rooted in the knowledge that God is still sovereign, even when the world is in turmoil.
2. The Characteristics of the Ungodly (Verses 2-4)
Paul provides a chilling description of what people will be like in these times. We see an endless list of vices, all stemming from one core issue: a heart turned away from God.
- Lovers of self and money: Selfishness and greed have become the defining marks of society. The relentless pursuit of personal gain has taken precedence over love for others and reverence for God.
- Proud, arrogant, abusive: Humility and kindness are overshadowed by pride and cruelty. We see a world where people build their lives on boasting and degrading others.
- Disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy: The lack of respect for authority and the breakdown of family structures are clear signs of a society adrift from God.
- Heartless, unappeasable, slanderous: The lack of compassion and the rise of hostility are evident in how people treat one another, with a refusal to forgive or seek reconciliation.
- Without self-control, brutal, not loving good: We see a generation given over to indulgence and cruelty, with little regard for what is pure and good in God’s eyes.
- Treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God: Betrayal, reckless living, and the worship of pleasure are the idols of today. People no longer seek God’s will but follow their own desires, without thinking of the eternal consequences.
These characteristics should not only serve as a warning of the world’s moral decline but also as a mirror to our own hearts. Are we living lives that reflect Christ or are we allowing the world’s values to creep into our faith? The call to us today is to stand apart from these behaviors, to live as light in the darkness.
3. The Path to Righteousness: Fixing Our Eyes on God
Even as Paul warns of the increasing wickedness, the underlying message is one of hope and endurance. We are called to be different, to be set apart from the world. In these last days, we must strive to be:
- Lovers of God: The antidote to self-centeredness is a heart fully surrendered to God. When we prioritize loving God above all else, we naturally begin to reflect His love to others.
- Grateful and Holy: Instead of taking the blessings of life for granted, we must cultivate an attitude of gratitude and pursue holiness in our daily walk.
- Self-Controlled and Compassionate: In a world that encourages indulgence, we are called to exercise self-discipline, rooted in love and compassion for others.
The perilous times may be overwhelming, but God has given us the tools to rise above the chaos. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live lives of righteousness, filled with love, joy, peace, and endurance.
4. The Call to Endure and Stand Firm
Finally, as believers, we must recognize that we are in a spiritual battle. The world’s values are at odds with God’s, and we must choose daily to walk in obedience. Paul encourages us in 2 Timothy 4:5 to “keep our heads in all situations, endure hardship, and do the work of an evangelist.”
This is not the time to shrink back in fear. The perilous times provide an opportunity to witness for Christ. As we live lives that contrast the world’s values, others will see the light of Christ shining through us.
Conclusion:
Beloved, let us take heed of Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-4. These are indeed perilous times, but we are not without hope. We are called to live differently, to be steadfast in our faith, and to pursue righteousness in a world that has largely turned its back on God.
As we leave here today, may we commit ourselves to love God more deeply, to reject the values of the world, and to shine as lights in the darkness.
©️James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM,
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️773-344-6313.
“For more inspirational lecture series by the author, kindly visit www.spdsfoundation.org.”