Living in Perilous times

2 Tim. 3:1-9

Theme: As terrorism, aggression and scandal develops and mounts daily throughout our world, one question seems to echo from every mountain top and through every valley. That question; Are these the end times?

Introduction: Jesus tells us very plainly that we will not know when He will return for His church, but we do know He will return. With that thought, I would like for us to look at the age we are living in and where it sits within Bible prophecy. Global events over the last several months have captured my attention unlike any time in my life. Let’s reflect back one year before Katrina. Our military was involved with Iraq and Afghanistan. We were threatened by increasing gas prices but our government seemed to find a way to negotiate with the mid-east producers and keep prices stable. Then came Katrina and overnight our fuel prices skyrocketed, our government had no control or ability to negotiate anywhere or with anyone. There was no control or organization in New Orleans or Mississippi. Our own military had to police the streets providing safety against our own people. The nation of North Korea becomes a nuclear threat suddenly becoming calloused to the rest of the world. As a reminder our war with North Korea was never officially ended, there was only a cease fire which remains in effect to this day. Iran elects a new president and through his leadership acquires nuclear technology from Russia. With this knowledge, he threatens the existence of Israel, threatening to totally destroy the nation. As of this past Wednesday Hezbollah a Syrian and Iranian backed terrorist group decided to attack Israel and took two soldiers hostage. We all know by now the reaction of Israel and the minute by minute developments of that situation. I haven’t touched on state and local issues. But over the past year, we have seen with our eyes the world escalate on a downward spiral. It all has a place in God’s plan and He has given us a glimpse at some of it. Let God speak to your heart as we look at living in perilous times.

I. People without Character Vv. 2-3

A. Their supreme concern (no self restraint, debt, bankruptcy)

1. Self love

2. Lust for wealth

B. Their scornful contempt (mockery of godly things, music)

C. Their sinful conduct (destruction of family, abandoning the bible)

1. toward parents

a. disobedient

b. unthankful

2. toward people (morality, ethics, integrity)

a. No reverence

(1) Unholy

(2) Profane

b. No regard (no heart or principles)

(1) Without natural affection

(2) Truce breakers

c. No restraint (diabolos {dee-ab'-ol-os}

Applied to a man who, by opposing the cause of God, may be said to act the part of the devil or to side with him)

(1) Slander ( a basis for policy and power)

(2) Incontinent (having no power or control)

(3) Fierce (terrorism)

II. People without conviction Vv. 3-5

A. Their false principles

1. Ruled by wickedness (sexual immorality, wicked hearts)

(Despisers of those that are good)

2. Ruled by wiles

(Traitors)

3. Ruled by willfulness (rash actions, paying for crime to go again)

(Heady, high minded) scornful of the consequences.

B. Their foremost passion

(lovers of pleasure)

C. Their false profession (a pleasure filled generation)

(having a form of godliness) the difference between profession and possession.

III. People without conscience Vv. 6-9

A. Their vileness (false religions)

B. Their victims (the unknowing Christians and non-Christians)

C. Their values (works, wealth)

D. Their vanity (feeling they are equal to God without judgment)

Conclusion: As our scripture draws to a close we find that by example God does not ignore these days. God has a purpose for everyone and everything. God has a direct will and a permissive will. In order for His direct will of the rapture to take place, His permissive will of these perilous times must take place. No, they are not pretty to look at and they are scary, because we do not know what tomorrow may bring. But as a child of God, I do know regardless of circumstances I am under His watchful eye and care. Where do you fit within these perilous times?