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In 2 Timothy 3, Christians receive this warning: “. . . in the last days perilous times shall come.”
This must raise questions in the reader's mind. What is meant by the last days and the perilous times? Is Paul speaking eschatologically, or is he describing his present situation?
Are the perils universally experienced, or directed toward a select group?
What is the fate of those who find pleasure in opposing the Gospel?
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.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.
It is clear from verse 8 that the righteous of the Old Testament met with opposition. Jannes and Jambres were occultists who opposed Moses's authority and they were defeated (Exodus 7:11; 8:7).
The methods of the ungodly to gain control fit every period of history. In every age, there are pleasure-seeking egoists who insinuate themselves into the lives of peaceful people to stir trouble and encourage sinful behaviors. Christians are told to turn away from such people.
Imagine what the Apostle Paul would think of "Christian" denominations that normalize homosexual "marriage" or of women who thrust themselves into positions of spiritual authority while dismissing the Bible as out-of-date.
In every age, the righteous can expect opposition from those who delight in spiritual rebellion. Stand firm. Be of good courage because their ultimate defeat is certain.
Related reading: God's Strategy for the Church; A Discipling Church Speaks Truth; A Prayer for Troubled Times
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