But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. – 2 Timothy 3:1
A visit to your neighborhood bookstore reveals the endless array of authors who have focused on the future of America. A survey by the Pew Research Center indicated that “Americans are narrowly hopeful about the future of the United States” until it comes time to discuss specifics, where pessimism comes forward. Author and minister Dr. Ray Pritchard provided a humorous introduction to the third chapter of 2 Timothy this way: “You’ve probably heard the old joke about the fellow who was told, ‘Cheer up. Things could be worse.’ So he said, ‘I did as I was told. I cheered up and, sure enough, things got worse.’ That, in a nutshell, is the message of 2 Timothy, especially chapter 3.”
Eschatology is the study of the end times. There are many Bible verses that speak about the last days. Jesus also spoke of future events and of His return. Old Testament prophets discussed it. The apostles John, Paul, and Peter wrote of it. Christian writers have penned fictional accounts of what lies ahead. And some churches even center their ministries around “the last days.” God does not want you ignorant (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), nor does He want you fearful but rather to be reassured in His steadfast love for you (Psalm 136:1).
How far away those last days are only the Father knows (Mark 13:32). Whatever the timeline, as a follower of Christ, have your priorities in order. Keep God at the center of your life, stand firmly on the Word of God, trust in His power, maintain an eternal perspective, and be persistent in prayer. C.S. Lewis said, “We are to live like commandos behind the enemy lines, preparing the way for the coming of the Commander-in-Chief.” “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us…” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). A life built on the Word of God and focused on abiding in Christ will survive even the most perilous of times to come.
Today’s Verse: 2 Timothy 3:1
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 14-19
3 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
