Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 3:1
As we begin 2 Timothy 3:1, through Paul, God tells us that the “last days” are not about war, famine, disease, or any other crisis that could come upon our body. God lays out that the wickedness of mankind marks the last days. Many theologians say that the "last days" began with the church's birth in the book of Acts. Mankind is most assuredly wicked because of sin. But that wickedness has increased all the more. As we unpack 2 Timothy 3:2-9 this week, we will see that all of the characteristics described in God's Word are very prevalent today. God wants us to know what the “last days” will be like, that people will completely turn away from God and His Word and only live for their fleshly desires. In Matthew 16:1-4, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders because they wanted a “sign from heaven” that He was Messiah. Jesus had already performed many miracles, but they wanted more. Jesus told them that they could predict the weather from the signs they saw around them but that they were blind to the signs regarding Jesus being the Messiah prophesied about in the Scriptures. Our Lord might give a similar rebuke to many Christians today. God has given His Word in 2 Timothy 3, and many other Scriptures, so we can know what people will be like in the “last days.” Yet, many Christians live as if they do not believe that our Lord Jesus could come back for His church at any moment. We must not miss what God has made evident.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about having your eyes opened to the obvious about the “last days?”
2. How are you living each day, knowing that Christ could return at any time?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!