Have You Fallen Into Perilous Times?

 

2 Timothy 3:1

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

The word perilous is defined as “troubled and dangerous.” In this chapter, Paul is giving a very serious warning to Timothy to be on guard against wicked men in these perilous times. Paul warns Timothy in 19 different areas.

In our own life, there are some warnings God gives us to guard our own self against perilous times. In the next few minutes, I want to point out 3 of Paul’s warning signs of perilous times that could be in us.

1. Lovers of their own selves 

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

What a convicting statement to start off these warning signs. People loving self is more rampant today than ever. As a Christian, our life will be worthless if lived for ourself. It will not matter for anything in eternity.

When you get to heaven, what did your life count for? One person said, in honesty of heart, that they lived for a secular job. Another said serving in the military. What answer would you give?

How ashamed would we be if we had to say we lived our life for ourself. You only have one chance to live for Jesus. Have perilous times come in your life?

2. Proud

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Paul later in the verse gives another warning sign of perilous times. Pride. Pride is a dangerous trap to fall into. God says pride is an abomination. Pride could be stated as an extension of point 1. When you love yourself, you open wide the door to pride. Today, do you have an arrogant and proud spirit within you? If so, you may be in perilous times.

3 Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God

 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Another convicting thought from the list. Pleasure has become more popular today than ever. Teenagers especially can, like me, choose pleasure. Pleasure will only ever feed the flesh. It will only feed the old man. Sadly, pleasure can be the “guilty pleasure” in many of my youthful sins.

“Why did you play hours and hours of video games?”
— Pleasure

“Why did you sleep in and neglect your walk with God?”
— Pleasure

“Why did you lust?”
— Pleasure

“Why are you lazy?”

— Pleasure

Have you fallen into perilous times?

But thankfully, the Lord doesn’t stop here. He gives an answer. Whenever God presents a problem in our life, He always provides a solution. Let us consider God’s 4-step plan to get out of perilous times.

1. Continue in the right.

 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

2. Keep God’s Word in sight.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3.   Apply God’s Word for the fight.

 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

4. Be Godly with all your might.

 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

So today, if perilous and dangerous times have come into your life, then read God’s solution and live for Him.