Difficult Times Will Come
By George J. Stroh
April 3, 2013
But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant. revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God. (2 Timothy 3:1-4)
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy to encourage him and to also warn him that in these last days, because of increasing sinfulness, there would be more difficult days ahead. The bible's definition of "the last days" is the time between our Lord's resurrection and His second coming to earth. It has been almost 2,000 years since His resurrection and there are signs that we are now in the last of the last days. Jesus told us that no one knows the exact day or hour of His second coming, but that there will be signs that the time is near; Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. (Matthew 24:32, 33)
One sign that the Lord may soon return is the increase in the magnitude of unrestrained, pervasive sin that Paul warned Timothy about. Even among so called religious people, this sin is tolerated, even accepted; Holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power... (2 Timothy 3:5).
There is, of course, nothing new about the sinful behavior that Paul warns is coming. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, humans have manifested their sinful natures. What is new is the increase in the open rebellion and "in-your-face" sins against God, His holy word and His followers. Just like in the days of Noah, God's merciful patience will someday end; Then the Lord saw the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5).
Yes, we should expect more difficult days ahead because sin and all kinds of wickedness will increase until the Lord returns. But as Paul wrote; I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4: 7, 8) Maranatha! 