Times of Great Difficulty, Pt. 3

2 Timothy 3:1–5 NASB95

1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, 4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

Thesis: My aim is to inform/remind that the wicked character of evil humanity will make the last days extremely challenging. To ignore or be unaware of that wicked character, would indicate one is not aware of the times we’re in. Even more, if we gravitate toward these behaviors and not avoid them.

Prevalent human behavior

I believe these next behaviors really highlight the harm to relationships and community at large.

Malicious gossips/Slanderous - This word comes from the Hebrew word “satan”. It’s not a name, rather a description of his adversarial character. This can be seen in Psalm 109:1-6. David says people have opened a wicked mouth, spoken against me with a lying tongue, words of hatred, and act as his accusers. The objective and frequent result of this activity harms and severs relationships. That was satan’s objective with Job - Job 1:11 “… touch all that he has, he will certainly curse you to your face.”; again in Job 2:5 “… touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse you to your face!” Cursing GOD to his face was the result satan wanted and accused Job of.

Application: In other words, Paul makes it clear that last days will be hard because people will be like satan. That is harm they cast on your name by what they say.

Example: In fact, slander is understood in two ways, verbal and libel or written. According to one site, 60% of teens have experienced cyberbullying (written slander online) and 70% said someone spread rumors. Mainly appearance, academics, race, sexuality, etc. Social anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, self harm, skipping class, food/alcohol/drug abuse.

Explicit example of how devilish gossip can ruin relationships with GOD, self, family, friends, school, etc.

Treacherous - Translates directly as giving someone over. The idea is handing someone over for selfish gain. This particular form of the word is used two other times in scripture, no surprise one is the descriptor given to Judas Iscariot to distinguish him from other Judas’. He knew Jesus was innocent, but he handed him over to the Jews to be killed, in exchange for 30 pieces of silver. Which could be equivalent up to $3k.

Application: We must all be careful of people who would intentionally harm you, or give you up. Block opportunities/desires, turn folk against you for their own recognition, left you by your self (was forgiven by Christ).

I believe these next 4 create harm to self, friends, and the community.

Without self-control - Self control was understood as having power over oneself within, particularly relating to morality. Also more influenced by outer forces, because there’s no power to restrain within.

Reckless - The literal translation of this word means “fall forward”. The idea is that one would rush into a decision or circumstance without considering the danger or consequences. Not only that, but nothing can stop me, and if it tries I will blast through it.

Haters of good - This one is very self explanatory. People who despise what is good, characterized by a hatred or an absence of love for all things good. What’s good? Everything GOD created (Genesis 1), everything GOD gives (James 1:17), anything beneficial and profitable and blessing to life. And by nature, one absent of love for what’s good, will love what is evil.

Brutal - And then finally, brutal. A total menace, which is danger. It literally means untamed. Example: Anyone have a dog? Will it sit if you tell it, if you’ve had it “trained”. Now allow a raccoon, fox, or coyote into your yard. If you get a chance to tell it to sit, what do you is going to happen? Why, because wild animals are frightened of people and typically can be a danger to people!

Application: When you bring all these together in many people, nothing in my spirit powerful enough to say no to what’s bad, I don’t care about danger or consequences and none of it is going to stop me from rushing forward for what I want, I don’t have a care in the world for anything that can be credited to God’s goodness upon life, I am going to be extremely dangerous. To myself and to any and everyone I come across. This is reason why there is so much crime and neglect of goodness in life and all kinds of levels. Theft, sexual assault, and homicide!!!

Example: I don’t aim to preach or argue politics about guns, I preach and apply scripture. Some say “guns don’t kill people, people kill people”. I believe that, and believe these evil traits lead to that. However, I have a question for you and anyone who has ears to hear… If the young man in Uvalde or Buffalo, or anywhere else mass shootings have occurred, didn’t have a gun, would we have heard of that many people dying?

Absolutely not!! These are absolutely behavioral traits of the last days regardless of what era, but when you put a weapon in ones hand, it absolutely incentivizes any brutal attitude one has. Statistics - As of Aug 12th, in KC - 99 murders - 1 vehicle; 1 hands; 3 object; 6 knife; 90 guns. Majority of the known contributing factors were “ARGUMENTS”.

Conclusion: Do you realize this? Or have we been so naive toward these difficulties, endorse these behaviors, not realizing that is these prevalent behaviors that are threat to the community of GOD, and make life on this earth difficult in general. Do these behaviors characterize you?

We need to realize and avoid these people according to Paul. But we need to pray for our city!! More active!!