Faithful to the End: God Knows the Future
2 Timothy • Sermon • Submitted
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Intro:
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
As we’ve studied 2 Timothy, I’ve titled this theme of this book, [Faithful to the End]. The subject of my message this evening is [God Knows the Future].
People long to know the future. I remember as a child a few miles from our home was a psychic. I asked mom what that building was. She explained to me that some people will go to those places to try and figure out their future.
She then went on to tell me that those people do not really know the future. Instead, they are evil people being used the the enemy to decieve people because only God knows the future.
I am glad I had that foundation, sadly many have not. Charlatans make thousands of dollars trying to read people’s palms or discern the signs that point to their future.
People will believe tarot cards, psychics, and the newspaper about their astrological sign. However these things are merely a counterfeit to the truth, for only God knows the future.
Understanding this provides great comfort. There is so much about tomorrow we do not understand. However, God already has our tomorrows planned. Therefore, we must walk in faith, trusting Him with every step.
Let’s remember Paul’s setting as he wrote this letter to Timothy. For the final time he was imprisoned. However, this imprisonment differed from others.
He knew as he languished in an underground dungeon that his time came to a close. As he awaited his inevitable fate, he decided to write one final letter to his spiritual son Timothy.
No doubt Timothy knew Paul was in prison. Therefore he likely rejoiced when he recieved this letter, an indication Paul was still alive.
When he broke the seal and began to read, I am sure he felt a myriad of emotions. Paul taught and trained Timothy. He encouraged and exhorted him on more than one occasion.
After discussing their past and present, Paul turned his attention to the future. Knowing he would soon die, he wanted Timothy prepared for all God had ahead of him.
With this in mind, how could Paul know what lied ahead when only God knows the future?
It is true only God knows every detail of what He has for us. However, there are times when God provides insight to what lies ahead.
For instance, a little over ten years ago, I was 18 living in Midwest City, OK, but I really wanted to go to SAGU in Waxahachie, Texas. I prayed and asked the Lord, but it never seemed to happen.
God gave me peace that it was good for me not to go, but He didn’t tell me why. Yet I had this understanding God had a better plan.
Imagine if He had said, DANIEL, YOU WILL NOT GO TO TEXAS, YOU WILL GO TO A TOWN CALLED VULCAN. THE NEAREST MEXICAN RESTAURANT MINUTES AWAY…
Had he laid out the whole story, I might not have had not believed Him. Instead, I had this understanding, even though my plans did not work, God knows the future.
Though Go d
Paul felt the same way as he wrote to Timothy. He knew there was more work to do for God. There were more Gentiles who needed to hear the good news of Jesus.
But future travels seemed impossible as death seemed inevitable. Instead, he wrote to Timothy to explain what God had prepared for the future.
Paul did not give specifics, but he did provide principles that would govern Timothy’s life. Let’s look at the future God has for us, [A Perilous Future], [A Personal Future], and [A Picture of the Future].
Let’s begin
1. A Perilous Future
1. A Perilous Future
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
One author called Paul’s list “an autopsy of human depravity.” At first glance it is easy to conclude, that is not very encouraging of Paul.
In other words, Timothy, God has called you and these are the people you will have lead. Why was Paul so blunt? Had he not told Timothy what awaited him, he would have been blindsided when the perilous or difficult times arrived.
He wanted Timothy to know what to expect. To accomplish this, he used nineteen adjectives to describe the type of people that will surface.
Lovers of self- selfish to the point of self-love, assuming the entire world revolves around them.
Lovers of money- greedy people whose love of money is the driving force behind every decision.
Boastful- is an ancient description of a con-artist. The type who takes advantage of people and then brags.
Arrogant- people who act as though they are better than others.
Blasphemers- live in defiance to God.
Disobedient to parents- people who have issues with authority, something that started in the home.
Unthankful- people who walk around with a feeling of entitlement.
Unholy- people who refuse to abide by the rules of common desency
Unloving- hard hearted people who offer nothing without expecting a return
Unforgiving- never admitting wrong and always blaming others
Slanderers- also known as gossips who create division
Without self-control- following their desires and doing what they want.
Brutal- exhibiting extreme violence
Despisers of good- this person finds great joy in the corruption of the word.
Traitors- betraying others for personal gain
Headstrong- stubborn people who are easily provoked, reacting without thinking through
Haughty- or conceited people puffed up with pride
Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God- pursuing worldly pleasure at all cost
As I typed these descriptions I thought how those ancient words depict our society. But the worst on the list describes the type of people who look the part of Christian.
They would never associate themselves with the nineteen descriptions. However, they are worse than the rest, for they have the form of Godliness. They look the part, but never live the part.
They say they are a Christian, but never display the love of Christ. Therefore their lives are void of supernatural power. Paul’s instructions, STAY AWAY from these type of people.
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained.
Through Paul does not point out individuals in the church at Ephesus, he uses Israel’s past as an example. Jewish history tells us Jannes and Jambres were magicians who worked for Pharoah.
They witnessed Moses’ miracles but still resisted the truth. Likewise, those who willingly walk in disobedience are doomed for a perilous future.
Timothy was incapable of changing them on his own, however he was poised to handle...
2. A Personal Future
2. A Personal Future
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
After outlining the type of people Timothy would meet in the future, he showed him the potential he had as a man of God. His future would be different because his lifestyle was different.
Paul reminded Timothy of their mutual past. Remember, Timothy followed Paul and stayed close to him in many different circumstances.
He heard Paul’s teaching and committed his lifestyle to model the doctrine Paul taught. Timothy’s future had a purpose because of his faith, love, patience, and perseverance.
Timothy would not do the exact same things Paul did. However, he could look back at Paul’s devotion and see how God will help regardless of what comes his way.
Paul reminded Timothy of the good things, faith, love, patience, then he turned his attention to the suffering and persecution that might also come.
Timothy knew what happened to Paul in:
Antioch
30 So when they were sent off, they came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.
50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.
Iconium
Acts 1
5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region.
Lystra
19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Paul did not tell Timothy, expect these same things to happen to you. Instead, learn from me, I have suffered, but GOD HAS DELIVERED ME OUT OF THEM ALL.
Therefore, Timothy could have the same hope. Paul did not outline the specifics of what would happen, only that persecution would come.
Timothy’s would differ from Pauls, but he had the same adversary. However, he also had the same deliverer. More and more people will try to deceive others, but Timothy knew the truth.
Therefore, Paul had the utmost confidence that Timothy would make it no matter what came his way. He knew enough to understand God knows the future.
Those who embark on a perilous future may enjoy worldly pleasure, but they will not attain eternal life. Timothy on the other hand had the hope that God would protect and provide for Him.
3. A Picture of the Future
3. A Picture of the Future
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
What would Timothy do when Paul died? What encouragement would he have?
In addition to Paul’s letters, Timothy had the scripture. He heard the truths of God’s word since he was a child. Furthermore, he had the source of strength if he would depend on the word of God.
Remember in chapter one, Paul wrote about the faith that his mother and grandmother possessed. That same faith was in Timothy.
Therefore, he did not have to worry, he simply needed to rest in the word of God.
But how could he trust in scripture? That is a question many people ask. How can we trust in ancient words written by various authors.
Paul provided one of the most important passages in the bible, ALL scripture is given by God. Given by God literally means, “God-breathed.”
In the same way God breathed life into Adam and Eve’s bodies, God breathed supernatural insight to the writers as they wrote their letters and books.
God used their personality, writing style, and backgrounds to convey what He wanted us to know. Therefore, everything in the Bible is 100% literal and 100% true!
For Timothy, that meant he could use scripture to teach. The word of God would teach him as he taught others.
Scripture is also available for reproof, or rebuke. When we read the word, God will speak to us through it and show us the changes He wants to make in us.
As Timothy continued in the plan God had for his life, he needed to listen to what the Spirit spoke and instructed him to do. God would encourage him, correct him, and train him for every future endeavor.
Paul painted a picture of men and women of God who are fully equipped to do all He wants us to do. Was the future uncertain? Yes. But if God’s people will become people of the word, then they will understand what to do and what to say!
What an encouraging message. Will difficult times come? Yes. Will there be moments of uncertainty? Absolutely.
But within the sixty-six books of the bible is a picture of God’s faithfulness. He never failed His church. He never left His people. Therefore, we have hope. If He was with His people in the past, He will be with us in the future!
Close:
Life is full of choices. Will be choose a future of perilous times? Or will we make the personal decision to follow God’s word and watch Him paint a picture of a hopeful future.
The simple fact is this, God knows the future. When we settle this in our hearts, we will not have to spend hours worrying about what will happen.
Instead, we trust Him, live according to the word of God, and watch to see how He will help us.
But this begs the question, if God knows the future, why doesn’t He just tell us everything that will happen?
First, if God did this, I truthfully think it might scare us. Think of it, let’s look back on our lives, have their been good times? What about bad time?
I am glad when I am going through a bad time, I have faith that things will get better. But when I go through a good time, I do not want to know, by this time tomorrow, everything will change.
Second, if God told us everything it wouldn’t require faith.
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
We do not serve God because we know everything. No, we follow Christ because we have faith that He knows all things and He will help us no matter what we face.
Therefore, God knows the future. But He gives us the choice the type of future we will have.
We have no control over every event, but we can choose the rules that will govern our lives.
If we choose to walk in our own power, our future is perilous.
But if we choose to depend on the word, we have hope and a future awaiting us.
Let’s come tonight and renew our commitment to the word and to God’s plan for our lives. We will have faith knowing this, GOD KNOWS THE FUTURE!
