#241 – What in the World is Happening in Prophecy

WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING IN PROPHECY?

2 Tim. 3:1 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”

The first thing we will look at in this passage is to,

IDENTIFYING PERILOUS TIMES

The word “know” is the translation of a word that means to come to know. It is a present imperative verb. Paul is saying that one needs to come to know right now. The imperative mood is a command expressing urgency. We can know something of the times in which we live because God has revealed them to us.

Frankly, what modern man sees as perilous, does not harmonize with Scripture. Paul identifies perilous times. He says when “men shall be lovers of their own selves,” times will be perilous. There are all kinds of self-help books designed to make man think more of himself. The fact is Christianity sees man as an utter failure. The Christian answer to man’s utter failure is Christ. Paul says in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

The secret is the life which I now live is “Christ living in me.” It is not just Christ in me, but what is He doing in me. Is He in control? Have I lost control? No, I have simply learned that I am wrong and He is right and I voluntarily relinquish all to His lordship.

The word “covetous” means a very strong craving for money and possessions. How would we apply this definition to people in the USA? I am afraid the word covetous is probably the most descriptive word in the English language. We can’t get enough. The more we get the more we want. How many people do you know that are completely satisfied with what they have? I’m not saying that all are covetous, but if we really face the facts, more are than we want to admit. It comes so close to us that speaking on the subject makes us a little uncomfortable.

The word “boasters” means “an empty pretender.” The word “proud” means “showing one’s self above others, outdoing others, conspicuous above others, pre eminent.” This is an ego wrapped in skin. This is seen many times in Christian movements. There is a struggle for power. Next Paul says, “disobedient to parents.” How many times have I seen children who were disobedient to their parents and were offended that their parents did not give them everything they desired. Then there are those who become violent when a godly parents make rules and enforce them in an attempt to get their children to live a good moral life. The children are violently opposed to any attempt of the parents to correct their prodigal life-style.

The word “blasphemers” means, “speaking evil, slanderous, reproachful, railing, abusive.” The word blasphemy describes a person who degrades others without respect for those of whom they speak. One hears God’s name used continually by man as a by-word. Man has no respect for God. Then the world is ready to attack those who have a true belief in God. Paul says when we see these things perilous times have arrived.

Then Paul includes the word “unthankful.” This is a person who has no appreciation for things done for him. Then he adds “unholy.” The word unholy means, “wicked, impious.” This person cannot be reasoned with by the use of Scriptures. An unholy person is not open to holiness. Holiness comes about through a submission to the Scriptures. Holiness is a development in the life of one who recognizes the authority of the Bible.

Next, “ Without natural affection.” This is a reference to an affection that even unsaved members of the human race would normally have. An illustration of this is the many babies who have been discarded in garbage dumps because the mother’s do not want them. We must also point out the fact that the USA is financing the killing of the unborn. This is a blatant disregard for human life. This is not natural.