Perilous Times Shall Come Series

PERILOUS TIMES SHALL COME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Timothy 3:1

"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come." –

Supporting Texts:

Matthew 24:12, 2 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Timothy 4:1, Jude 1:17-19, Ephesians 5:15-16

INTRODUCTION

The Bible warns us that as we approach the last days, perilous times will come. These are times of great moral decay, spiritual deception, and increasing wickedness. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, describes the characteristics of people in these dangerous times—lovers of themselves, lovers of money, proud, blasphemers, disobedient, unthankful, unholy, and without natural affection. This prophetic warning is relevant today as we witness an alarming decline in morality, faith, and godliness in our world.

Jesus also warned that in the last days, lawlessness would abound, and the love of many would grow cold (Matthew 24:12). We see this happening all around us—corruption, violence, false doctrines, rebellion against God, and persecution of believers. However, as children of God, we are not to fear but to be vigilant, standing firm in our faith and living righteously in these perilous times.

This sermon will explore the characteristics of perilous times, their dangers, how believers should respond, and the hope we have in Christ.

1. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERILOUS TIMES

a) Selfishness and love of pleasure (2 Timothy 3:2-4)

People will love themselves more than God, seeking pleasure above righteousness.

b) Corruption and moral decay (Matthew 24:37-39)

Society will resemble the days of Noah, filled with wickedness and immorality.

c) Disobedience and rebellion (Romans 1:30)

Children will be disobedient to parents, and people will reject godly authority.

d) False spirituality and deception (1 Timothy 4:1)

Many will depart from the faith, following deceiving spirits and false teachings.

e) Biblical Example: The Days of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:4-11)

The city was filled with sin, and people had no regard for God’s truth.

2. THE DANGERS OF PERILOUS TIMES

a) Many will fall away from the faith (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

A great falling away will occur as people turn from the truth.

b) Persecution of believers will increase (Matthew 24:9)

Christians will be hated and persecuted for their faith.

c) Deception will be widespread (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)

False teachers and prophets will lead many astray.

d) Sin will be normalized in society (Isaiah 5:20)

People will call evil good and good evil, rejecting God’s standards.

e) Biblical Example: Israel’s Apostasy (Judges 2:10-12)

A generation arose that did not know God, leading to moral decline.

3. HOW BELIEVERS SHOULD RESPOND

a) Stand firm in the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

Hold fast to sound doctrine and reject false teachings.

b) Live a holy and righteous life (1 Peter 1:15-16)

We must remain set apart from the corruption of the world.

c) Be watchful and prayerful (Luke 21:36)

Jesus commands us to watch and pray in these last days.

d) Share the Gospel boldly (Matthew 28:19-20)

We must continue to preach salvation to a dying world.

e) Biblical Example: Noah’s Faithfulness (Hebrews 11:7)

Despite living in a corrupt world, Noah remained faithful to God.

4. OUR HOPE IN CHRIST DURING PERILOUS TIMES

a) God’s protection over His people (Psalm 91:1-7)

He is our refuge and fortress in times of trouble.

b) The Holy Spirit will strengthen us (John 14:26)

The Spirit empowers us to remain steadfast in faith.

c) Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)

Despite the trials, we have victory through Christ.

d) Our eternal reward is secure (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Those who endure will receive the crown of righteousness.

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church’s Perseverance (Acts 4:29-31)

In the face of persecution, they remained bold and faithful.

CONCLUSION

Perilous times are upon us, just as the Bible foretold. As darkness increases, believers must be prepared to stand firm in their faith, live righteously, and share the Gospel with urgency. We must not be deceived by the world’s corruption but remain watchful, prayerful, and faithful until Christ returns.

Though these times are dangerous, we have the assurance that God is with us. He has given us His Word, His Spirit, and His promises to keep us strong. Let us be vigilant, remain steadfast, and look forward to our eternal hope in Jesus Christ.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, strengthen me to stand firm in these perilous times.

2. Father, deliver me from every form of deception and false doctrine.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a righteous and holy life.

4. Lord, grant me boldness to preach the Gospel without fear.

5. Father, keep me and my family safe from the evil of these last days.