“There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be … lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.”
2 Timothy 3:1, 5
When you read Paul’s full list of the signs of “the last days,” it’s not hard to conceive that we are in the last days now. A culture marked by inordinate self-love, greed, arrogance, abuse, disrespect of parental authority, ingratitude, pride, slander, no self-control, etc., sounds alarmingly close to home.
Don’t misunderstand me. I think we have been living in the “last days” since the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The term “last days” carries with it a load of Christian cultural baggage. It has been used by some Bible teachers to describe a series of global events leading to the imminent return of Jesus. But Paul describes the last days as the time between the two comings of Jesus (His first coming to die, and His return at the end of history). This makes sense in light of the list of sins that he gives here. We do not know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return; it could be today, or thousands of years from now.
Until He returns again, we are encouraged to live watchful, godly, hope-filled lives. Be assured: He will come!
Don’t misunderstand me. I think we have been living in the “last days” since the resurrection and ascension of Jesus. The term “last days” carries with it a load of Christian cultural baggage. It has been used by some Bible teachers to describe a series of global events leading to the imminent return of Jesus. But Paul describes the last days as the time between the two comings of Jesus (His first coming to die, and His return at the end of history). This makes sense in light of the list of sins that he gives here. We do not know the day or the hour of Jesus’ return; it could be today, or thousands of years from now.
Until He returns again, we are encouraged to live watchful, godly, hope-filled lives. Be assured: He will come!
Scripture Focus
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Insight
Father, thank You that Your Son will return for us one day. Thank You for forgiveness and the hope of Your eternal kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 11-12
- Psalm 109
- Romans 9-10
