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.
- Boasting in Self over God: Athletes, politicians, comedians and even preachers take credit for what belongs to God.
- The Pride of Sin Parades: Sin is not just practiced but celebrated. What God calls abomination is exalted as identity.
Pride always brings a fall (Proverbs 16:18).
Covetousness says: “I want what others have.”
Boasting says: “I want others to see what I have.”
Pride says: “I don’t need God.”
The gospel teaches us humility: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory” (Psalm 115:1).
Charlie Kirk: “A culture that worships wealth, fame, and self will collapse under the weight of its own pride. Only a people who bow before God can stand strong.”
3. Without Natural Affection
Paul warns Timothy that in the last days people would lose even the most basic, God-given sense of love and compassion. This refers to family love, parental love, and the natural bonds that should hold people together.
Biblical Example: Herod the Great (Matthew 2:16)
When Herod felt threatened by the newborn King, he ordered the slaughter of innocent children. This was the absence of natural affection. A ruler entrusted to protect instead destroyed, fulfilling Jeremiah’s prophecy of Rachel weeping for her children.
Examples: Signs of Lost Affection
- Abortion on Demand: More than 60 million unborn babies have been aborted since Roe v. Wade. Society applauds what God condemns.
- The Breakdown of the Family: Fathers abandoning homes, parents neglecting children, marriages collapsing.
- Violence and Abuse: Child abuse, trafficking, and domestic violence increase. The love of many grows cold (Matthew 24:12).
- Hatred of the Good: Those who stand for biblical values are mocked and attacked, while sin is celebrated.
When natural affection is lost, society is on the brink of collapse. Romans 1:31 says they are “without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful.” But God can restore hearts. Ezekiel 36:26 promises a new heart and a new spirit.
Charlie Kirk: “A society that cannot even protect its most vulnerable—the unborn, the elderly, the family unit—is a society on the verge of collapse. Revival begins when we restore what God calls sacred.”
4. Lovers of Pleasures More Than Lovers of God
Pleasure itself is not evil—God created joy—but when pleasure becomes an idol, it dethrones God. Paul says men will be “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”
Biblical Example: Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)
Paul lamented, “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.” Demas chose temporary comfort over eternal reward.
Examples: Pleasure Idolatry
- Sports and Entertainment Above Worship: Stadiums are packed on Sundays while churches sit half-empty.
- The Digital Amusement Culture: Hours spent on screens, while little time is given to prayer or Scripture.
- The Pleasure Industry: Alcohol, drugs, pornography, and gambling enslave millions.
- The Church and Comfort Culture: Many choose convenience over commitment, entertainment over discipleship.
God is not against pleasure, but He must come first. Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in God’s presence is fullness of joy. Ask yourself: Do I sacrifice worship for comfort? Do I crave entertainment more than prayer? Do I seek God first?
Charlie Kirk: “We live in the most entertained generation in history, but also the most empty. Pleasure cannot fill the God-shaped void in your soul—only Christ can.”
5. Having a Form of Godliness, but Denying the Power Thereof
Paul warns that in the last days, people will appear religious but lack the true power of God. They will have a form of godliness but deny its transforming power.
Biblical Examples:
- The Pharisees (Matthew 23:27-28): Outwardly holy, inwardly corrupt.
- The Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-17): Wealthy but spiritually lukewarm.
- Samson (Judges 16:20): Outward strength but inward weakness when God’s Spirit departed.
Examples: Empty Religion
- Churches With Style but No Substance: Entertainment replaces altar calls and repentance.
- Cultural Christianity: Identifying as Christian without living as one.
- Self-Help Sermons: Motivational talks instead of the gospel.
- Personal Religion Without Surrender: Wanting Christ as Savior but not as Lord.
The gospel is not just a form—it is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). We must move beyond empty religion and be filled with the Spirit. True godliness produces transformation, not just appearances.
Charlie Kirk: “America doesn’t need more religion; it needs revival. We don’t need more empty churches with programs; we need Christians filled with the Spirit who live out the truth of God’s Word.”
Conclusion
Paul’s warning is clear: the last days will be perilous.
- Lovers of self instead of lovers of God.
- Covetous and proud instead of humble and content.
- Without natural affection instead of covenant love.
- Lovers of pleasure instead of seekers of God.
- Having the form but denying the power.
But we are not without hope. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead can live in us and keep us in these times. “Be ye filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
Lord, we see the signs of perilous times all around us. Keep us from selfishness, pride, coldness, and empty religion. Fill us with Your Spirit. Let us not only have the form of godliness, but live in Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
