Paul Instructs Timothy - Part 5

Now we’ll move on to address the signs of the times given in Paul’s second letter to Timothy.

2Tim. 3:1-7 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Although there may be some overlapping of truth already presented, I am going to address each issue as it is presented. The context seems to be referencing humanity in general with special attention to those in the “church,” giving the appearance of godliness but contradicting or denying God in the process. Paul introduces his list of prophecies concerning last days to Timothy by describing them as “perilous times.” I thought it was interesting to note that the Greek defined “perilous” as “reducing the strength, difficult.” That was quite enlightening to me regarding how these characteristics would impact the “church.”

First on Paul’s list is the fact that men will be lovers of themselves. I’m probably going to be repeating this mantra several times—but this is a dominant characteristic of today’s society. In America I believe the focus turned to self in a big way in the sixties. One of the most popular buzz phrases from the sixties was, “If it feels good, do it.” And the importance of looking out for number one has only continued to grow as a priority in people’s lives since then.

It’s interesting that covetousness is next on the list because it goes hand-in-hand with a selfish mentality. “Keeping up with the Joneses” has been a cultural mindset for years. It was interesting to note that the Greek made reference to being avaricious or greedy. Many people define success in life by how much money they make and the quantity and quality of the “things” they possess.

I think both characteristics are also prime motives behind many crimes. Rapists, thieves and even murders are a result of people choosing to do whatever it takes to bring pleasure to self without regard to the person(s) they are victimizing. I am reminded of the recent murder of the talented coed in North Carolina who was killed by a couple of punks out to get a few bucks to feed their selfish desires and the murder of the little girl in Florida by a pervert bent on fulfilling the lust of his flesh; and these are only a couple of incidents that represent far more by other punks, perverts and profligates all across the planet.