Scripture:
2 Timothy 3
Main Verses:
2 Timothy 3: 1-4
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
Observation:
Every day, when we open our TVs or browse on the Internet for the latest news, there are always news items abour murder, kidnappings, theft and robbery, terrorist acts, etc. Every day, we see men and women doing evil acts. It's as if doing evil is already the norm. The most recent news about the murder of one family in San Jose del Monte Bulacan has made many Filipinos extremely mad at the crime that the suspect himself confessed. I admit, I felt shocked and very upset after reading the news, especially after the suspect said "napagtripan lang." I cannot find an accurate translation in English of what the suspect said, but the suspect was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he did the terrible deed.
The apostle Paul described to Timothy the wickedness of people in the last days. Instead of focusing on what pleases the Lord, people will be lovers of themselves, so they will only want to do whatever gives immediate pleasure to them. These are the kind of people who "are swayed by all kinds of evil desires" (v. 6). The warning that Paul gives in 2 Timothy 3 is clear enough: there will be terrible times (v.1) and evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived (v. 13).
Application:
If we already know that wickedness and godlessness is bound to increase, what are we supposed to do? Should we live in fear? Should we just throw up our hands in dismay and despair? Is there hope in this world? Yes, there is! We must remember that our only hope is in Jesus. And while we are here on earth, the Lord is giving us every chance to get to know Him on a personal level. He does not want us to get hurt because we are the Lord's precious creations. He promised to return once the Gospel has been preached in the whole world, and then the end will come. So when we hear His voice, we need to respond right away. Evilness will end and the Lord's righteousness will prevail. The wicked will be finally overthrown, and Jesus will remain on His throne forever and ever!
Prayer:
Lord, I believe that you are listening to our hearts right now. I pray that whoever you are talking to at this moment will respond to your call. May this person desire to come to know you on a more personal level. Open his eyes so He may see your goodness. Touch his heart so that he may want to dwell in your presence. Thank you, Lord, for your saving grace and mercy. We were sinners, but you have turned us into saints. May our lives be worthy of our Lord who has called us into His own Kingdom and glory! AMEN.
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