2 Timothy 3
It stands out to me that Paul's answer to the problem of perilous times and the last days is to study God's word.
Paul encourages Timothy to study the scripture. The last days are upon us, but what does the Christian do?
He draws closer and closer to God. He shuts out the noise of the world and focuses on studying scripture. Isn't this what David said in Psalm 119? When he was persecuted by evil people in the world it drove him into the scripture. Psalm 119:69, "The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart." Obedience to God's word. Study the word, see how it relates to my life, and then put it into practice. This is how we overcome in the last days.
When we study the scripture we will have the discernment to see what is happening around us and to stay unaffected by what is happening. The spirit of the world wants to sweep you away, but through staying in God's word and by staying in prayer, we can overcome the spirit of the world in these last days.
I am thankful the Holy Spirit provides a specific and descriptive list of things to look for in the perilous times of the last days.
The attributes of the last days: people love (worship) self, they are covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despiser of those that are good, traitors, heady, high minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a from of godliness but denying the power thereof.
I see all these attributes operating in our world today, in government, and in the marketplace, and in society and culture. These attributes are rampant in the world today.
People who are controlled by this evil spirit will target vulnerable women. The women they target are "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth". This evil spirit takes advantage of people who are seeking answers, knowledge, truth. This reminds me of how people are swept away in New Age teachings today. People want to know truth, but they are falling for the lies of the world spirit.
I get the impression that these attributes are not just out in the world but also apply to the house of faith. Paul describes these attributes within the house of faith. He says there are people who are reprobate concerning the faith. Their folly is exposed by God.
We are encouraged to follow the example set by Paul: his doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, patience, persecutions, and afflictions. Notice here that persecutions and afflictions are a normal part of a Christian's life.
Here is a promise most people don't want to hear: All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. If you are living for Jesus with all of your heart you will be targeted by the enemy. The devil will stir people up to come against you in every sphere of your life. In your family, among your relatives, in your work place, at church, even while you are minding your own business at the park.
Another promise that should inform our view of the last days is that evil men and seducers shall get worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. People are not getting better. They are getting worse.
The world will not get better. The lie of evolution is that the human race is evolving into a utopia or ascending to the next level. The Bible teaches the opposite. The Bible teaches that the human race is deteriorating and getting worse, and it will get so bad that the Lord Jesus will return personally to stop the madness of mankind destroying himself.
What is the answer for us in these last days? We are to stay in the word, and stay in prayer. The holy scriptures give wisdom and understanding.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17, That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
This chapter is framed with the idea of perilous times in the last days. We have a list of reasons why it will be bad. Because people are going to become worse and worse, things will get darker and darker. People will be deceived and deceive others.
To me, this points to the ability to communicate to masses of people, like we have today through the internet. This widespread deception is happening through modern technology. There is an evil spirit working through the internet and mass communications. It is a spirit that works in the children of disobedience (Ephesians chapter 2).
The solution for us is the scripture. God's word is designed for the purpose of reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
This is why it is so important we humble ourselves and make a decision to receive correction. Don't think we know everything.
I've been a Christian for a long time, but I know that there is so much I do not know. I have thought about this a lot lately. There is so much I don't know or understand.
I'm hungry to learn from the Lord what I don't know, what I need for today. I need a fresh touch from the Lord, a new understanding and revelation. Paul prayed for God's people to have the spirit of wisdom and revelation.
Ephesians 1:16-17, "Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17, That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:"
This phrase in verse 7 "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" really reminds me of people today. They are a hungry generation, but they feed on spiritual junk food.
People are constantly listening to podcasts and self-help books or learning philosophies or how to live their best life. All of this searching for truth, but they reject the truth of Jesus right in front of them.
I've known people who travel all over the world looking for answers, and the answer was there the whole time in their Bible sitting on their bedside night stand.
May God grant us repentance that we may come to the knowledge of the truth and escape from the trap of the devil. The trap is closing quickly upon this final generation. Few will be saved. Don't be one of those who follows the broad road to destruction. Instead, seek the Lord while he may be found and call upon him while he is near.
Isaiah 55:6-9, "Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8, For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9, For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Christ died for our sins, he was buried, he rose again on third day. Call upon the name of the Lord and be saved. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 10:9-13, John 3:16).
Mike Kines
July 20, 2025