First Christian Church

By Bruce Humes

Pastor

“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away” (2 Timothy 3: 1-5 NKJV).

The apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy while in a Roman prison awaiting his execution because of his witness and faith in Jesus Christ. The date of the writing was around 65-67 AD. The “last days” spoken of here is of the church age, just before God extracts his church from the earth, an event identified in Latin as the Rapture.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:52 that it will happen “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” But, I get sidetracked. I share that with you as a lead in to what the apostle wrote to Timothy, and to us, concerning what those last days will look like.

“Perilous” in the Greek, meaning “difficult, dangerous, furious and fierce” times will come. Not maybe, or possibly, but will come. He goes on to tell Timothy what those days will look like and why. Men will be lovers of themselves (selfish), lovers of money (greedy), boasters, proud, blasphemers (railing against God), disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy (profane against God in conversation and their lives), unloving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good (hostile to those who do good), traitors, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (not mindful of God or the things of God), and having a form of godliness, but denying its power (going through the motions and rituals of religion, concerned about outward appearance and the spiritual and his relationship with God).

Pretty strong words for the apostle Paul concerning what those last days will look like, but as I look at the world today, I see each one of those attributes of mankind being manifested. Yes, they have been prevalent throughout the church age, but the idea is that they become more and more prevalent as we near that moment in time when Christ comes for his church.

Peter in his second epistle wrote this in 2:1-2, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” The apostle Peter is speaking of false teachers and their message in the last days, leading people from the truth of God’s word with their deception.

Jesus himself spoke about this period of time in the gospel of Matthew 24:3-8, “Now as he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us when will these things be? And what will be the sign of your coming, and the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, saying I am the Christ, and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All of these are beginning of sorrows.”

As I observe what is now taking place worldwide and within the borders of our own country it appears to me that what the apostles Paul, Peter and Jesus warned us about is unfolding before our eyes. Jesus in Matthew 24:36 said, “But of that day and hour (of his return) no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but the father only.” And again in 24:42, “Watch therefore, for you do not know the hour your Lord is coming.” We are to be watching, with anticipation for his soon return. Be encouraged and comforted by knowing this truth.

If you want to speak to someone at the church or if you have a need, call the First Christian Church office at (562) 431-8810. Leave a recorded message and someone will return your call.