Standing Firm In The Last Days

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions.” (2 Timothy 3:1-6, ESV)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Today, we consider St. Paul’s sobering words to his beloved disciple, Timothy. The Apostle does not sugarcoat reality. He warns that in the “last days” there will be "times of great difficulty". This phrase, “last days,” refers not just to the very end of time, but to the entire period between Christ’s first and second coming—the age in which we now live.

Paul describes a society that has turned away from God, where people are consumed with self-interest, greed, pride, and ungodliness. His words sound eerily familiar, as if they were written for our own time. But they also contain guidance and encouragement for us as faithful Christians.

Let us, then, reflect on this passage in three parts:

1. The condition of the world in the last days,

2. The danger of counterfeit godliness,

3. The Christian’s response to these troubling times.

---

I. The Condition of the World in the Last Days

Paul gives Timothy a long and disturbing list of characteristics that will define society in the last days. Let us consider just a few:

“Lovers of self” – A world where people prioritize their own desires above God and neighbor. We see this in the modern obsession with self-image, personal achievement, and the “me-first” mentality.

“Lovers of money” – Materialism reigns supreme. Wealth becomes the measure of a person’s worth, and people sacrifice integrity for financial gain.

“Proud, arrogant, abusive” – How often do we see people tearing others down, whether in politics, social media, or even within families?

“Disobedient to parents” – A breakdown of family structures, where respect for authority is diminished.

“Unholy, heartless, without self-control” – A society that celebrates sin rather than repents of it, where people are ruled by passions instead of by God’s Spirit.

These descriptions are not just an indictment of the world around us—they are also a warning to the Church. These sins do not remain outside the doors of the sanctuary; they can creep into our own hearts and communities if we are not watchful.

---

II. The Danger of Counterfeit Godliness

Paul warns of an even more insidious problem: “having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power.”

What does this mean? It refers to those who claim to be religious, who go through the motions of faith—perhaps attending church, saying prayers, or even quoting Scripture—but who lack true transformation.

In other words, there will be "religious people who do not truly know Christ." Their faith is only external. They may use Christianity as a means of gaining influence, respect, or personal security, but they have not been "born again by the Spirit of God".

Jesus warned of this in Matthew 7:22-23: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Paul instructs Timothy—and us—to "avoid such people". This does not mean we refuse to evangelize or show love. But it does mean we must be discerning. Not everyone who speaks in religious terms is truly walking with the Lord. We must not allow false teachers or hypocrites to influence our faith or corrupt the Church.

---

III. The Christian’s Response to These Troubling Times

What, then, shall we do? How do we live faithfully in an age of corruption?

1. Remain steadfast in Christ

We must not be discouraged by the darkness of the world. Jesus told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Our strength is not in ourselves but in the Lord, who sustains us through His Word, Sacraments, and the fellowship of the Church.

2. Hold fast to the truth of Scripture

Later in this same chapter, Paul tells Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16)

In a time of moral confusion, we must anchor ourselves in God’s Word. It is our compass, our shield against deception.