WHAT TO BEWARE OF AND WHAT TO BE ABOUT
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— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. —II Timothy 3:1-5
The last days will show forth these characteristics. The last day being from the time Jesus came until the end of the age (Hebrews 1:2). During this period there will be terrible times. 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
- Having a form of godliness but denying its power
Brothers and sisters, fellow followers of Jesus, we are told to “Have nothing to do with such people.” In II Timothy 2:26 Paul tells Timothy that such people need to “come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” And these people have “a form of godliness but denying its power.” They are “religious.” Instead, we are to “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (II Timothy 2:22). Yes, may we pursue these with others who are of like mindedness.
Dear Father, please help us identify these people and stay clear of them and know those who are pursuing godly characteristics. May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus. Yes, so may this be for Your honor and glory. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKT5BCmvmq0&list=RDMKT5BCmvmq0&start_radio=1