2 Timothy 3:1 opens with “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” The Apostle Paul goes on to write the characteristics of mankind during these times. They match up with a lot of what we are seeing, reading and hearing in societies, not only here in America, but also around the world-Lovers of themselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having the form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, and so on. Is this not the prophetic picture of today?
The Apostle Paul’s account seems to give additional specific details about what Jesus said of the time leading up to his return. In Matthew 24, Jesus gave a chronology of the sign of his coming and the end of the world. Jesus said their would be wars and rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, persecution, betrayal, hate, false prophets, the love of many waxing cold, the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel, great tribulation, false christs showing great signs and wonders, a great atmospheric disturbance, and his return. He says that there will be “two in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” And he cautions, “Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come.”
In Christ’s account of the events leading up to his return, he specifically tells the disciples to “take heed that no man deceive you,” “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved,” and “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then the end shall come.” Jesus continues in Matthew 25 with how we are to respond during these prophetic times. He talks in parables about not hiding the talents until the master returns, and how when we clothe, feed, quench thirst to the least of these, it is as doing it onto him. In short, we are to continue occupying and doing the Lord’s work here on earth until his return.
Again, the Apostle Paul gives even more specific details about our personal responses as a prophetic people living in prophetic times. He writes at the end of 2 Timothy 2 (22-26) to flee youthful lusts; follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace; avoid foolish and unlearned questions; do not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instruct those that oppose themselves; and allow God to give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. In these scriptures-Matthew 24 and 25, and 2 Timothy 2 and 3, we have not only what is to happen in the end times, but also how to respond-acting in kindness, teaching the truth in humility with patience, not entering into strife. You see, as a prophetic people in a prophetic time, we must focus on the higher standard with our actions.
