TCH MINI-STUDY 59
PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote to Timothy, his dearly beloved
son in the faith, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers,
incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having
a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead
captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was (2 Timothy 3:1-9). This mini-article
is being written in January 2024. Based upon the current state of the world, are we in these last days in which perilous times shall
come? Based upon Paul's descriptions of human behavior as described in verses 3 through 9, it would seem that there is a very high
probability that we are, indeed, living in the last days, and that we are experiencing those perilous times referred to in verse 1
of our subject verses.
In order to better understand Paul's letter to Timothy, it is valuable to examine and study the Greek
roots of our subject verses. In verse 1, the word last is translated from the Greek word eschatos, which means in the sense of contiguity,
farthest, final of place or time, ends of, latter end, lowest, or uttermost. The word days is translated from the Greek word hemera,
which means a period, an age, forever, judgment, time, while, or years. The word perilous is translated from the Greek word chalepos,
which means to lower as into a void, to let down, reducing the strength, making difficult, becoming dangerous, furious, or fierce.The word times is translated from the Greek word kairos, which means an occasion, set or proper time, opportunity, due season, or
a while. The word come is translated from the Greek word enistemi, which means to place on hand, be impending, a fixed time period,
or be instantly upon us, or present. When we read that in the last days perilous times shall come, we could easily translate this
phrase to mean that in the final or end period of years of life as we have known it, difficult, dangerous, furious, or fierce seasons
will occur during a fixed time, and be upon us.
Paul also gives us several descriptions or behaviors that will be found in and
be characteristic of these last days. It would also be helpful to examine the Greek definitions of those behaviors Paul is referring
to. In verses 2 through 4 above, lovers of their own selves is translated from the Greek word philautos, which means fond of self
or selfish. Covetous means to be fond of or a friend of silver or money, or avaricious. The word boasters is translated from the Greek
word alazon, which refers to enpty bragging. The word proud is translated from the Greek word huperephanos, which means the desire
to appear above others, attention seeking, or haughty. Blasphemers is translated from the Greek word blasphemos, which means making
or spreading claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation, or impious against god. Disobedience is translated
from the Greek word apeithes, which means umpersuadable, or a stubborn or willful rejection of parental authority, while Unthankful is
translated from the Greek word acharistos, which means thankless, ungrateful, or unappreciative of pardon, deliverance, or forgiveness.Unholy means unhallowed or impure, while Without natural affection is translated from the Greek word astorgos, which means not to
cherish affectionately or hard hearted towards kindred. Trucebreakers mean a refusal to provide an offering to a deity, being unable
or unwilling to placate, or one who refuses an agreement of truce. False accusers is translated from the Greek word diabolos, which
means to falsely accuse or slander. Incontinent means without self control, while fierce means savage. Despisers of those that are
good is translated from the Greek word aphilagathos, which means hostile to virtue or one who loves evil. Traitors is translated from
the Greek word prodotes, which means giving into the enemy's hands, to surrender or betray. Heady means to refuse to carefully consider
the possible consequences of our words, thoughts, and actions, while lovers of pleasures is translated from the Greek word philedonos,
which means to be a friend of or fond of pleasure, voluptuous rather than fondness of God. Having a form of Godliness is defined as
having an appearance or resembling Godliness, but in reality not having true Godliness. Denying the power of is translated from the
Greek word arneomai, which means to contradict, disavow, or reject the power [Greek, dunamis, force, miraculous power, ability, might,
strength, or mighty work] of Godliness. Paul then adds these descriptions of men in the last days. He wrote, For of this sort are
they which creep [Greek, enduno, to sink on, to sneak] into houses, and lead captive [Greek, aichmaloteuo, to bring into captivity] silly
women [Greek, gunaikarion, foolish woman or wife] laden [loaded] with sins, led away [induce, persuade, or influence] with divers
lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these
also resist [Greek, anthistemi, to stand against, oppose] the truth: men of corrupt [Greek, kataphtheiro, to spoil entirely, to destroy,
to deprave, cause to utterly perish] minds, reprobate [Greek, adokimos, unapproved, rejected, worthless, become a castaway] concerning
the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly [Greek, anoia, stupidity, rage, madness] shall be manifest unto all
men, as theirs also was (2 Timothy 3:6-9). Paul also wrote to Timothy a warning: persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at
Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live
godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil [Greek, poneros, hurtful, degenerate, calamitous, diseased, derelict, vicious,
full of mischief, having malice, grievous, lewd, or malicious] men and seducers [Greek, goes, to wail, one who mutters spells, an
impostor] shall wax worse [more evil] and worse, deceiving, and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:11-13). Paul further adds these instructions:For the time will come when they will not endure [Greek, anechomai, put up with, bear with, continue to possess, or continue in] sound [that
which brings health and life] doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching [desire and
need to be scratched, want to hear that which is desired or brings satisfaction] ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned unto fables [fiction, untrue, fantasy, inaccurate] (2 Timothy 4:3-4). According to these subject verses,
it certainly looks like we are in the last days and living in perilous times.
OTHER CHARACTERISTICS OF THE LAST DAYS AND PERILOUS
TIMES
In addition to perilous times that Paul described in his letter to Timothy, we can ask, what are some of the other characteristics
mentioned in the scriptures that will be present in the last days? As the apostle John teaches us, not only will the person of the
antichrist eventually manifest himself upon the earth, but there are already many antichrists operating on the earth: Little children,it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist [Greek, antichristos, an opponent of the Christ, instead of, or a substitution
for] shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time (1 John 2:18). The apostle Peter warns,there shall come in the last days scoffers [Greek, empaiktes, a derider, one who jeers at, a false teacher, a mocker], walking [taking
a journey, or living] after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all
things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation (2 Peter 3:3-4).
HOW TO RESPOND TO THESE LAST DAYS AND PERILOUS
TIMES
After examining the human behaviors resulting in the perilous times that will be found in the last days, it becomes clear
that all of these behaviors are not only present in today's times, but that these behaviors seem to be rapidly increasing, together,
in intensity. It is apparent, which we must acknowledge, that the world is much worse that it was last year, and last year was worse
than the previous year. Qualitatively and quantatively, the sinful behaviors of mankind are clearly becoming more perilous year by
year. We can only frightfully imagine what the world will be like in, say, 5, or 10 more years, provided the Lord tarries from returning.
These
times may seem hopeless, and from a human intervetion and effort viewpoint, they are. But our Father in heaven has given Paul, and
us, some instructions on how to respond to these last days and perilous times. Look at what Paul tells us.
First, Paul wrote,But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions,
which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea,
and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving,
and being deceived (2 Timothy 3:10-13). Within these verses, the apostle is teaching us that believers in Chirst will experience persecution
and affliction, as Paul did, and that this this suffering is to be expected. Paul also teaches that, as he had, we are to have proper
doctrine and manner of life, Godly purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, and patience with endurance, regarding this suffering.
Paul also clarifies that the believer in Christ can expect to encounter evil men and seducers who are becoming more and more evil,
and who not only continue to deceive, but are, themselves, deceived. Paul also encourages the believer to continue thou in the things
which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them (2 Timothy 3:14).
Second, Paul instructs
Timothy, and us, that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Per the apostle, the believer in Christ is to continue to rely upon the scriptures, which are able to give us wisdom and understanding
regarding the salvation through faith in Christ, and are profitable for proper doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instructin
in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect [spiritually mature and firm] and fully furnished for all good works.
Third,
the apostle instructs Timothy, and us, with these words: I charge [Greek, diamarturomai, to attest to or testify to earnestly] thee
therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the
word [Greek, logos, Christ and the gospel message [see Ephesians 1:13 and Colossians 1:5; this word does not refer to the scriptures,
or bible]; be instant [to present and stand by] in season [when the opportunity presents itself], out of season; reprove [convict,
convince], rebuke, exhort [beseech] with all longsuffering [patience] and doctrine [instruction]. For the time will come when they
will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall
turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables [fiction, untruth] (2 Timothy 4:1-4). In spite of these last
days and perilous times, believers in Christ are exhorted to continue to preach the gospel message and to stand firm in the faith,
not only when convenient, but even when circumstances are inconvenient, as well. Believers are also to convict, convince, rebuke,
and to beseech others with patience and proper instruction.
Fourth, and last, the aposle Paul wrote Timothy these words about
himself: I have fought a good fight, I have finished [accomplished] my course [race, career, calling], I have kept [held fast] the
faith (2 Timothy 4:7). As Paul did, the believer in Christ, is to fight the good fight. What does this fight pertain to? Paul explained
this fight in his first letter to Timothy: Fight [Greek, agonizomai, to struggle, to compete for a prize, to contend with an adversary,
endeavor to accomplish something, or strive] the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and
hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:12). Again, despite perilous times, the believer is to continue
to patiently struggle and strive, even to the point of agony, to hold fast and continue to hold fast, to faith in God and Christ.
The believer in Christ is to finish his or her race and calling. With joy, Paul concluded that, because he had continued to fight
the good fight of faith, he knew that, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8). When the believer
in Christ continues to fight the good fight of faith and finishes his or her race, God will lay up for the believer, and for all who
love His appearing, a crown of righteousness which God shall give on that last day. AMEN.