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Perilous Times Shall Come
Source:
Spiritual Sword, April, 2013, Mike Hixson
Introduction:
Paul knew the difficulties that Timothy,
his “son in the faith,” would experience as a gospel preacher. So
he told him to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (II
Timothy 2:1)
While the apostle was in prison and facing
death, he warned Timothy that perilous times will come. (II
Timothy 3:1) “Perilous” means difficult, stressful,
and even fierce. Timothy needed to brace himself for tough times
ahead. Upholding the truth and standing for the right would bring
opposition and suffering.
So, what would these perilous times look
like?
Body: Characteristics of Perilous Times
·
Lovers of self
Those
concerned only about themselves; having little or no concern for
anyone else. (Judges
21:25)
Selfish, self-absorbed people have little interest in the Lord.
Disciples are to be selfless. (Matthew
16:24-25)
·
Lovers of money
This is what kept the rich young ruler from following God. He
trusted money more than God. Materialism can bring many problems.
In the movie, Wall Street, “Greed is good.”
·
Boastful
He is an empty pretender who exaggerates his own importance. Those
who did not acknowledge God were characterized as “boastful.” (Romans
1:30)
·
Arrogant
This is a proud one who thinks highly of himself and looks down on
others. Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them,
is mentioned in
III John :9.
·
Blasphemers
Revilers or slanderers malign the name of God and the good name of
others. They make false accusations.
·
Disobedient to Parents
Obedience is commanded. (Ephesians
6:1-3)
Many are disrespectful of all adults.
·
Ungrateful
Those who are not thankful for anything. (Luke
17:11-19)
Only one leper who was healed returned to thank Jesus. Many
believe they are owed good things. [“gimme” attitude]
·
Unholy
Those who do not respect the sacred; they are “anti-God.” America
has lost respect for God and His Word. (Proverbs
14:34)
·
Unloving
The heartless
are without affection or concern especially in a family situation.
Examples: Abortions or leaving newborns in dumpsters
·
Unforgiving
They refuse to reconcile under any circumstances; always hostile. (Ephesians
4:32)
Forgiveness is mandated. The marriage covenant is enhanced by a
forgiving heart.
·
Slanderer
False accusers or verbal assassins are not concerned about the
truth. Malicious gossip can destroy lives.
·
Without Self control
They give in to every temptation and let desires go unchecked. They
do whatever they feel like, having no inhibitions or no shame. (Jude
:16)
·
Brutal
Those who are
savage, fierce, having no restraint are cruel, unfeeling, and
merciless to others. Society exhibits this behavior; just watch the
nightly news.
·
Haters of good
They oppose good people and good things. (John
3:19-20)
Christianity is becoming public enemy number one. The irony is that
the Bible and Christian principles helped to make this country
great.
·
Treacherous
They are willing to betray another individual’s trust to advance
their own cause. Judas is an example of one who betrays an oath or
turns on a friend.
·
Reckless
They are headstrong, rash, and do not think before speaking or
acting. A reckless person does not consider the consequences or
consider the feelings of other people. (Proverbs
13:3)
·
Haughty
They are conceited, puffed up with pride. (Proverbs
16:18. I Timothy
6:3-4)
No one can tell them anything for they think they know it all.
·
Lovers of pleasure
For many in our society, everything takes a backseat to personal
pleasure. (Luke
8:14)
·
Have a form of godliness
They have an outward show or façade. (Titus
1:16)
They masquerade as someone who is religious, spiritual. (Matthew
23:28)
Conclusion:
Do not be friends with such people! Turn
away and do not associate with them. Paul’s admonition is very
relevant to us today. The only association would be to reprove and
rebuke them. (Romans
16:17-18)
Bobby Stafford April 21, 2013
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The
church of Christ
