The Last Days

The Last Days "Have you ever met someone who talks a great Christian game but whose life tells a different story?" Pastors in the pulpit celebs on 2 Timothy 3:5 - "having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." I. The Danger of the Last Days 2 Timothy 3:1-4(nasb) 'But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ' Paul says "times of difficulty" will come. ~ Long list of traits: self-loving, money-loving, proud, abusive, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, pleasure-loving rather than God-loving. ~Main Point: When people center their lives on self instead of God, society (and the church) becomes chaotic and dangerous. ~ II. The Heart of the Problem: Religion Without Power " 2 Timohty 3:5(nasb) 'holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. ' They look spiritual (church attendance, Christian language, moral posturing) but reject the Holy Spirit's transforming work. * Main Point: Outward religion without inward regeneration is worthless and deceptive. III. How False Godliness Operates 2 Timothy 3:6-9(nasb) 'For among them are those who enter into households and captivate weak women weighed down with sins, led on by various impulses, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes's and Jambres's folly was also. ' They target vulnerable people ("worm their way into households"). * They prey on those loaded with guilt and sinful desires. * Always learning but never coming to truth. * Their folly will eventually be exposed (like the Egyptian magicians). Main Point: Deception thrives where discernment is lacking. But truth ultimately wins. IV. The Antidote: Follow the Real Example & the Real Word V. 2 Timothy 3:10-17(nasb) 'Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me! Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.' Paul contrasts the false teachers with his own life (v. 10-13): persecution, endurance, teaching, lifestyle. * "Continue in what you have learned" (v. 14). * All Scripture is God-breathed and equips us (v. 16-17). Main Point: The solution is not new experiences or trends, but steadfast faithfulness to God's Word and proven godly examples. How This Applies to the Church in 2026: 1. Discernment is Urgent o Many churches and leaders today have impressive platforms, music, and programs (the "form"), but little evidence of holiness, repentance, or transformed lives (the power). o We must evaluate leaders and teachers by their character and fruit, not just their charisma or social media following. 2. Avoid Compromising Influences o "Have nothing to do with such people" means we should not platform, financially support, or imitate those who deny the power of godliness (e.g., unrepentant sin, twisting Scripture on sexuality, greed, or abuse of power). 3. Pursue Real Power, Not Just Appearance o The church needs less performance and more prayer, repentance, obedience, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. o True godliness produces love, self-control, humility, and endurance - even under pressure. 4. Equip the Saints with Scripture o The greatest safeguard is a biblically literate, Spirit-empowered church (v. 16-17). o Parents, small groups, and pastors must prioritize teaching the whole counsel of God. 5. Hopeful Ending o Evil may increase, but it will not prevail. God's people, grounded in His Word, will be "thoroughly equipped for every good work." * Personal examination: "Do I have form only, or real power?" * Commitment to Scripture reading and obedience. * Prayer for discernment and revival in the church.