The End Times

Bible Text: Matthew 24:4-14, 22-28; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; 2 Timothy 4:1-5

What are perilous times?

Perilous times are dangerous times – full of risk and unsafe. In these perilous times, things are hard everywhere, no one is safe, and everyone will do anything to survive.

That’s why you hear of so many atrocities being committed by people against one another. Perilous times are times of “survival of the fittest.” It is not a time for the weak-minded. It is a time when sin and iniquity are the day's order. In fact, you’re unusual, and different if you’re not living in sin.

We are in perilous times now. How do I know? The signs of the end times are evident.

Signs of the end

• False christs – Matthew 24:5

• Wars and rumours of war – Matthew 24:6

• Pestilence (fatal epidemic diseases) and famine, earthquakes (natural disasters of all sorts) – Matthew 24:7

• Persecution and affliction of Christians – Matthew 24:9

• Believers betraying believers – Matthew 24:10

• False prophets and deceivers – Matthew 24:11, 24

• Cold love, false love – Matthew 24:12

• Selfishness/self-centeredness – 2 Timothy 1:2

• Men will love and pursue money

• Boasters, proud and haughty

• Blasphemers (speaking without regard for God and sacred/godly things)

• Disobedient to parents

• Unthankful

• Unholy

• Without natural affection (divorces, fake/false love, parents provoking children, disowning children, etc.)

• Trucebreakers (irreconcilable, covenant breakers, contract breakers)

• False accusers/slanderers/traitors

• Lack of self-control (incontinent)

• Fierce (brutal, wicked)

• Despisers of those who are good or those who do good

• Heady (rash, daring, say anything, do anything)

• Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God

• Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof

• People have itchy ears – cannot endure sound doctrine and turning ears from the truth unto fables

• Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge

The believer is expected to occupy till Jesus comes.

How do we occupy in these perilous times?

• Watch and pray. Matthew 25:13; 2 Timothy 4:5a

• Study the word and abide in the vine. John 15:3-5

• In watching, discern those who are on the same path and fellowship with them.

• Walk in love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

• Lean on your crutch. 1 Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 2:12-13

• Make your calling and election sure. Add to your faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly, kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-10

• Do the work of an evangelist. Preach the word. 2 Timothy 4:2, 5b

• Devote yourself completely to being a Christian. Make full-proof of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5b

Nourish Your Spirit