In this section I would like to focus on some sections of Paul’s letter to Timothy describing how people would behave in the end times. 2 Timothy 3 1-7. (KJV) (I know the section is a bit long but I don’t know how to chop it up.)
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. 3 Without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good. 4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Does this sound like now? Is this the kind of behavior the our government and many of our institutions encourage? There is not really much I believe to add other than the part that strikes me personally is the breaking apart of the family structure. Thinking about it some more it seams there is a bit of parallel to Daniel 12 where also says there will be perilous times and there will be an explosion of knowledge. (But not much truth)
I hope my readers are aware of the times that we are living in. Jesus had a few choice words for a group of people who did not have their eyes open and did not understand the time in Matt 16:2-3 (KJV)
“2 He answered an said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, it will be fair weather: for the sky is red. 3 And in the morning, it will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but ye can not discern the signs of the times?”
The old testament verse that relates to this matter is 1 Chronicles 12:32 where was see a group of people in contrast to these ones in 2 Tim 3:7 and these are the sons of Issachar.
“And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do;”
Let us be like those sons of Issachar and not like the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Paul also instructs Timothy in 1 Tim 4:1-4 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.”
Again, seems like Paul is talking about today! The rise in vegetarianism in Christians prophesied? The rise in people who call themselves Christians and living together out of marriage or just generally living as unbelievers? The rise in universalist doctrine? Do all roads lead to heaven? I believe we have the signs of the very end times. Again, let us be like the sons of Issachar.