So, We Are in Terrible Times Are We???

Paul was telling Timothy a few things about TERRIBLE TIMES...2 Timothy 3:1–5.........

1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

These words were spoken by Paul in A.D. 66! This was over 1900 years ago! Yet reading these words are like reading the daily newspaper, the intranet, Face Book. They show man’s sin and rebellion toward God. Man has always been stubborn and disobedient toward God. Let’s see what scripture tells us about the world today.........

It’s going to be Difficult because Christians will be receiving MAJOR PERSECUTION—v. 1 “You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian........”Is it? Of course it is...........

The final days will be Difficult because of temptations from Satan—James 1:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 10:13.

James 1:14–15 “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.” ALSO PAUL TELLS US IN 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13....

“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

The Final days will be Difficult because of Satan’s testing us. Hebrews 12:8 “If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.”

The Final days will be Difficult because of an assortment of troubles....

What about THE PEOPLE?—v. 2

Paul was telling Timothy to watch out for “Personal selfishness”, the “what about me mentality.....—“For people will love only themselves and their money.” Christ must be first. Wrong love of money—1 Timothy 6:10 tells us: 1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

The people will be Proud and boastful. The Bible says that God is near to the humble—James 4:6 “And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

So where was and is the Problem coming from?—

Disobedient to parents, Parents not disciplining the children......Ephesians 6:1–3 “1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

This Disrespectful attitude to parents and other authorities = Rebellion,sound familiar today? Watch a few FB videos of the evil hatefulness, disrespect fullness.

Whats causing some of THE PROBLEMS?—v. 3

Stubborn, selfish only wanting their way.....—“They will be hardhearted and never give in to others.” Stubbornness is the same as idolatry—1 Samuel 15:23 tells us: Now listen church.............

23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”

Sin =Sinners will be everywhere—“They will be constant liars and troublemakers.” The Bible says all liars will be turned into hell.

We as Christians Should not fellowship with troublemakers—1 Corinthians 5:11 “I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.”

Are we Avoiding and staying away from troublemakers? Romans 16:17 “And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.”

Reject, run off, separate from (or do not be friends with) troublemakers—Titus 3:10 “If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.”

Let’s discuss Sarcasm for a moment.......

Sarcastic, do we know any “GRUMBLERS?” —“They will be rough and cruel, and sneer at those who try to be good, USUALLY THEY SAY THESE THINGS AS THEY ARE TURNING AWAY” John tells us Jesus words: John 15:18–19 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

THE PERILS OF “TALKING THE TALK” BUT NOT WALKING THE WALK” —v. 5

So, let’s ask ourselves a question. Are you Religious?—“They will go to Church, they might say a little prayer at home, but they won’t really believe anything they hear.” There is a vast difference between being religious and being righteous. Which do you want to be?

Retreat—“Keep far away from people like that.” Turn and run.....John 15:18–19 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.”...............

IN CLOSING: What is the answer for these terrible times? WE CAN FIND THE ANSWERS IN God’s Word, the Bible has the answer.

1. We must have Love for God. We must have Real love daily for God.

Matthew 22:37 “37 Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. 39 A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

2. We must daily Live for God. Keep all His commands! God tells us through John: John 14:15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

3. We must always be Looking and Seeking God. This will purify us daily.1 John 3:2–3 “2 Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. 3 And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”

AMEN