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. (2Ti 3:1-5)
Are wicked people on the increase today? I have no doubt that they are. I have been a pastor for 40 years and I have seen this. Lovers of self, proud, arrogant, abusive…and all the rest. I see it increasing in the visible church – this evil business of an appearance of godliness but in reality just a bunch of fakes. Times of “difficulty” – why? Because of people who love themselves. Who hate good and embrace evil. Evil exists in people. It is not some entity in itself. For evil to increase, evil people must increase.
The Apostle Paul had in mind the visible church when he wrote these words. The pagan world doesn’t put on a show of godliness. But this dark list Paul writes of concerns people who have the appearance of godliness, but deny its power. People who, in other words, claim to be Christians. Creeps who creep in amongst us. It is these kind who will be on the increase. And so we see it today.
These are difficult times for Godly young people. It would seem that their numbers dwindle. Where do Godly young people find a genuine Godly spouse, for instance? It is only because of the Lord’s kind providence that they are led to a loving, Godly, husband or wife. There is a war against marriage and we see fewer and fewer young people even interested in marriage. Marriage, it seems, is becoming abnormal! Functioning, Godly, happy families – where are they?
These are not times to be naive. The days are evil. We must all be very serious about obeying God’s Word:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. (Pro 3:5-8)