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.
It is the responsibility of the church to preach the gospel.
It is also the responsibility of every Christian to preach the gospel and let your line shine.
3. Back to the Direction of the Word (v. 16)
Inspiration—“God-breathed”
The Word of God is profitable for:
Doctrine—what’s right
Reproof—what’s wrong
Correction—how to get right
Instruction in righteousness—how to stay right
We need direction.
Jeremiah 10:23, “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
Psalm 37:23-24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.”
Psalm 119:105, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
4. Back to the Equipping of the Word (v. 17)
Perfect—complete, mature
Furnished—equipped
God’s Word can equip you for every task ahead, whether it’s spiritual, relational, financial, or whatever need you have. The Word of God can equip you with wisdom, knowledge, strength, courage, and faith. You will be equipped “unto all good works.”
CONCLUSION
People are generally not impressed with Christianity. You know why? They see the hypocrisy. They see Christians who are not living like Christ. They look just like the world. We are either an offense or a disappointment.
What people are yearning for is authenticity, a lifestyle of genuine godliness that cannot be ignored. We say that we know God, but too often, the world sees only a “form of godliness.” However, if the world would see a transformed life that shines as a reflection of Christ, it would be attracted to our Savior.
The answer is simple: we need to get back to the Bible. Make a commitment right now that this year, you will learn God’s Word, share God’s Word, allow God’s Word to direct you and equip you to do good works to the glory of God. If you’ve gotten off the path, backtrack to the Bible so you can move forward with the Word this year.
