Backtrack To The Bible Series

Our culture has long been going in the wrong direction. We have made great progress in technology, but it has also been our undoing. Existentialism and Post-modernism have taught us to focus on ourselves and selfishly pursue our own desires despite the consequences. Instead of the church affecting the culture, it’s been the other way around. Churches have become weak. Christians have become complacent. The problem is, we don’t even know it. Jesus said to the church of the Laodiceans in Revelation 3:17, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” We have lost our way. What should we do? We need to backtrack to the Bible. If we don’t, the next generation will not have the commitment to move forward.

When dealing with perilous times brought on by a corrupt culture, the Apostle Paul knew the answer: it was to go back to godly living and the foundation of truth as found in the Word of God. This was his counsel to Timothy in II Timothy 3.

THE PEOPLE OF THE LAST DAYS (v. 1-5)

Lovers of their own selves—absorbed with self, selfish

Covetous—hoarders, collectors, wanting the newest thing

Boasters—“look at what I’ve done”

Proud—“I’m the best”

Blasphemers—those who defy God and hate His name

Disobedient to parents—obedience is so passe

Unthankful—gratitude is reserved only for Thanksgiving in November

Unholy—do whatever you like, no matter how dirty it is

Without natural affection—parents who don’t care what happens to their children

Trucebreakers—“I’m a man of my word” seems to be for suckers now

False accusers—good is being called evil, just turn on the news

Incontinent—no self-control

Fierce—riots, looting, and burning

Despisers of those that are good—hatred for the police

Traitors—“I thought you were my friend”

Heady—rash and reckless

Highminded—“you are beneath me”

Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God

Having a form of godliness (look spiritual), but denying the power thereof (not dependent on God)

THE LEADERS OF THE LAST DAYS (v. 6-9)

These verses indicate that the last days will have spiritual leaders characterized by lust, adultery, foolishness, rebellion, and corruption.

Verse 9 tells us that they will be exposed for who they are. But until that happens, these are many of the leaders that lead churches and ministries. John Butler mentions that many Roman Catholic priests have learned this fact regarding their homosexual conduct with young boys many years ago. He also says that a Baptist minister in Florida was exposed some thirty years after his evil conduct with young girls.

The need today is great for men who have integrity and a godly testimony.

THE DIFFICULTY FOR CHRISTIANS OF THE LAST DAYS (v. 10-13)

The Apostle Paul tells Timothy that he knows his testimony. Paul has been completely transparent when it comes to his manner of life and ministry.

Notice that Paul specifically mentions his persecutions. God was faithful to deliver him out of all his persecutions.

Verse 12—persecution is coming. Be ready for it. Religious freedom is under attack.

Verse 13—it’s going to get worse. Evil men will continue to deceive, and seducers will continue to seduce and manipulate.

Jesus never said the Christian life would be easy. In fact, He wants you to take up your cross. The road will be difficult. In I John 3:13, John tells us, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.”

Verses 14-17 give us four vital paths to go back to:

1. Back to Learning the Word (v. 14)

According to LifeWay Research, Americans have a positive view of the Bible; many say the scriptures are filled with moral lessons for today. However, more than half of Americans have read little or none of the Bible. Less than a quarter of those who have ever read a Bible have a systematic plan for reading the scriptures each day. And a third of Americans never pick it up on their own. Small wonder many church leaders worry about biblical illiteracy, said Scott McConnell, executive director of LifeWay Research. “Most Americans don’t know first-hand the overall story of the Bible—because they rarely pick it up,” McConnell said. “Even among worship attendees less than half read the Bible daily. The only time most Americans hear from the Bible is when someone else is reading it.”

Read your Bible!

Go to church!

2. Back to the Salvation of the Word (v. 15)

Many churches today have failed to preach the gospel. They don’t even want to mention sin lest they offend people. They focus on the love of God so much that they forget that He is also a holy and just God.

Notice that salvation is “through faith,” not “by faith.” Salvation is “in Christ Jesus,” not in the quality or quantity of your faith. And how do we know about salvation? From the “holy scriptures.” We need to get back to the old-fashioned, simple, clear, pure gospel, the Good News that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again from the dead.