Perilous Times Shall Come

Perilous Times Shall Come

Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV)

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Introduction

Paul’s words to Timothy are not vague—they are prophetic. He speaks of the “last days,” describing them as perilous times. The word perilous means dangerous, difficult, harsh, and violent. It is used only one other time in Scripture—when speaking of the fierce demoniacs of Gadara (Matthew 8:28). That same spiritual fierceness will characterize the last days.

We don’t need to look far to see this fulfilled. The headlines echo Paul’s description. Schools plagued by violence, families fractured, leaders corrupt, and churches compromising.

Charlie Kirk, a Christian commentator, put it this way:

“We are not in a battle between Republicans and Democrats. We are in a battle between good and evil, between light and darkness, between truth and lies.”

Paul’s description is not just about the world outside the church, but also the deception creeping inside. Let’s walk through this passage.

1. Lovers of Their Own Selves

Paul begins his list of end-time characteristics with self-love, because it is the root of all the rest. When self sits on the throne, God is dethroned, others are disregarded, and sin flourishes.

Biblical Example: The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21)

Jesus told the parable of a man whose fields brought forth plentifully. He didn’t pray and thank God for the harvest, nor did he ask how he might use his abundance to bless others. Instead, he said within himself: “What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?… This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater.” Notice the repeated use of “I” and “my.” He was obsessed with himself—his comfort, his security, his future. He planned to sit back and say: “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.” But God called him “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” His selfishness blinded him to eternity. He invested in himself, but he never invested in God.

This is the spirit Paul warned Timothy about—people living as if the universe revolves around their wants, their needs, their feelings, their desires.

Examples: The Culture of Self

- The Social Media Obsession: We live in the “selfie generation.” People risk their lives hanging off cliffs or tall buildings just to get the perfect picture. Young people delete and repost photos if they don’t get enough “likes.” Self-image has become an idol.

- Celebrity & Entertainment Culture: Society elevates celebrities who flaunt vanity and immorality. Fame and self-promotion are praised above humility and service.

- The “Me-First” Mentality in Relationships: Marriages crumble when spouses prioritize personal happiness over covenant. Parents neglect children in pursuit of careers or pleasure.

- Even in the Church: Sermons often focus on “your dreams, your destiny” rather than repentance. Worship is evaluated by how it makes me feel, not by how it glorifies God.

Self-love sounds appealing, but it leads to emptiness. Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). True life is not found in loving ourselves but in losing ourselves for Christ’s sake.

Charlie Kirk once observed: “We live in an era where self has become the ultimate idol. Our culture tells you to worship your feelings, your desires, your truth. But Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ Only when we put Him first do we find true freedom.”

2. Covetous, Proud, and Boasters

Where self-love rules, covetousness, pride, and boasting soon follow. These sins flow naturally out of a heart enthroned by self.

Biblical Example: King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:28-37)

Nebuchadnezzar walked in the palace of Babylon and said: “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” His heart was swollen with pride. He credited himself for what God had allowed. But before the words finished leaving his mouth, judgment fell. He lost his sanity until he lifted his eyes to heaven and confessed God’s sovereignty.

Examples: The Age of Covetousness and Pride

- Materialism on Display: Worth is measured by possessions. People plunge into debt to keep up appearances.

- Pride in Human Achievement: Science and technology are worshiped while the Creator is ignored. The spirit of Babel lives on.