Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 3:2
For the next couple of days, we are going to take a closer look at the characteristics that God gives us, in 2 Timothy 3:2-5, of what people will be like in the “last days.” Today we can see all of these characteristics in people all around us and from all over the world. God says people will be “lovers of self.” They will be self-focused and narcissistic (having an excessive interest in oneself and one's physical appearance). Just take a look at social media and this is overwhelmingly present everywhere. People are obsessed with themselves and most of their posts are about themselves with pictures of themselves. God says that people will also be “lovers of money.” In other words, greed is what compels them, and they always want more. They, again, will do anything at any cost to get more of what they want. People will also be “boastful and arrogant.” There is no doubt that too many people think their opinion, feelings, and/or belief system is truth, law, or both. These people will not listen to anyone but themselves or only people who agree with them. God then says that people will be “revilers.” These are people who, again, will censure others who disagree with them. They will do this through abusive, angry, insulting ways, seeking to crush others who are not like them. God also says that people in the “last days” will be “disobedient to parents, ungrateful, and unholy.” This is so obvious among people today, on TV, in movies, on social media, and in real life.
Challenge & Application
1. What is God teaching you about the “last days” and how people will act and treat others?
2. How are you praying for and sharing Christ with those who you see living out these characteristics?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!