By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
2 Timothy 3:1-13 says, “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, high-minded lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers’ lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” … “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
Moral decline: Selfishness, pride, thankfulness, and lack of natural affection. False teaching: Denying the power of godliness, leading others astray. Persecution: Godly people will face suffering and opposition. Warning to believers: To remain steadfast in truth and doctrine.
Wow! That sounds like the days we are living in. Perilous days. In a world that seems to have gone mad at times, there is still hope in this world every day. The Bible tells us that we are to remain steadfast in truth and doctrine.
Paul exhorts Timothy to “continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,” (v. 14), to hold fast to the Scriptures, which are “given by inspiration of God” and profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. The goal is to be “perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (v. 17).
Here are some key principles for living in perilous times with hope in God: Stay grounded in truth. Avoid false teachers and doctrines that deny God’s power. Hold fast to Scripture. It is the ultimate guide and defense in times of trial. Be discerning. Recognize the signs of spiritual decline and resist deception. Be prepared and let the Scriptures “make thee wise unto salvation” through faith in Christ.
The Bible calls believers to remain faithful, rooted in God’s Word, and steadfast in Christ, even when the world around them is corrupt and dangerous. Keep your eyes on Jesus, following the Good Shepherd all the way!
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
