Paul says that in the last days there will be “perilous times” (:1), and he goes on to describe what society will be like. His description is one of total godlessness and self-seeking. Jesus warned us that the last days would be marked by ever-increasing wickedness in the world, “Iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matthew 24:12). This indicates that moral and spiritual standards will collapse, and there will be a falling away from a true faith in God. In 2 Timothy 3:1-13 Paul gives us a list of conditions that believers living in the last days should expect to see.
[A] Love of self:
The list that is given here is probably rooted in this one thing, self-love. In charismatic circles today Christians are being taught that they must love themselves before they can love others. Therefore they should have self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. This same anti-Biblical teaching is found in all kinds of self help organisations. This love of self really means “looking out for No. 1” thus pure selfishness. It is very evident that we live in a selfish and self-satisfying society. True Christians should have sacrificial love not self-love.
[B] Covetousness:
Covetousness is borne out of selfishness. It is the desire to get as much for oneself regardless of who may be trampled over or abused along the way. This describes a materialistic society. Such covetousness may be considered normal in light of the National Lottery, but it in fact controls people’s minds and behaviour. Elsewhere this is called “The love of money” for it is “the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Paul also calls it idolatry, “Covetousness which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5).
[C] Boasters:
Today mankind boasts about all its achievements. Man has come to the point where it appears that he believes that there is nothing impossible for him. He boasts that he can do what he like, how he likes, and when he likes. He is full of great swelling words about himself. It is easy to see how such arrogance is a part of his self-love. Boasters have no other God but self, for in their own eyes they stand above all else.
[D] Proud:
Much of the pride we see today in Christian circles can be laid at the door of those who promote the self-esteem gospel. In all walks of society man has learnt to exalt himself and despise those around him. Filled with his own self-importance man does not see himself as a sinner in need of a Saviour; he is too proud to turn to God. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16).
[E] Blasphemers:
It is often said that few people have a civil tongue in their head. Not only is God’s name used as a curse word today but few people can speak without lacing each sentence with profanities. Blasphemy also includes the thought of speaking evil of those in authority, being abusive, contemptuous of anyone who deserves more honour than self.
[F] Disobedient to parents:
Such disobedience must come from somewhere. Childhood disobedience is a result of the parents failure to guide and discipline their children. Few it is that bother to train up their children in godliness and morality, instead children are allowed to be selfish, covetous, and rebellious. The lack of parental control combined with governmental groups committed to ‘no smacking’ results in the rebellion we see today in children.
[G] Unthankful:
The main idea here is that man no longer fears God, so he does not have to thank God for the many common blessings he has in his life. The neglect of godliness has led to a breakdown of society. Therefore few even consider attending Church to worship God for all He has done. Another aspect of this is the obvious lack of appreciation for what others do. From children to adults few are grateful for what they receive unless it is very expensive. Also because they expect and demand service few consider it needful to say “Thank you” as a sign of appreciation.
[H] Unholy:
This word has a strong connection to “blasphemous”. We live in a world where most of the population are impious, profane, and irreverent. One major reason for this is because of the media continuously attacking Biblical standards and depicting Christians as half-crazed imbeciles. The Lord Jesus Christ and the Bible are lambasted as much as possible. As a result there is nothing sacred any more, therefore man does not see the need for holy living.
[I] Without natural affection:
This can be translated as ‘unloving’. This describes the hard-heartedness that is evident in society today. Again, this is a product of self-love and selfishness. It seems that human kindness, tenderness, concern, and compassion have been forsaken. It is seen when a mother aborts or abandons her child, or when a father walks out on his wife and family. Natural affection can be seen in the animal kingdom but it is lacking amongst humanity. Such callousness can be seen in man’s inhumanity to man, terrorism, racism, vandalism, and other forms of brutality.
[J] Trucebreakers:
This word describes how little true friendship there is today. Those who are only concerned about themselves do not care about others and can quite easily dispense with friendships. Included in this word is the fact that people are resentful and unforgiving. Families, communities, and nations do not seem to be able to exist side by side. Any effort to reconcile various groups fails because in general mankind is implacable, “Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful” (Romans 1:31).
[K] False accusers:
These are slanderers that delight in nothing more than to spread false and malicious reports about others. The news media are experts on this level since such gossip sells newspapers. Yet such back-stabbing and character assassination can be found in all areas of life, be it the Church, government or family. The truth is twisted and outright lies are invented to destroy others.
[L] Incontinent:
There is very little self-control in many lives. Mankind has allowed his passions to go unchecked and will not permit anyone to question his lifestyle. He does what he wants because “it feels good” and he is “not harming anyone else”, but does not consider the consequences of his actions. We live in a debauched society where anything goes, the pervert is honoured, and the victim held in suspicion. Society is both immoral and amoral.
[M] Fierce:
Linked to the word ‘incontinent’ fierce indicates that people will become brutal and undisciplined in the last days, especially towards anyone that might object to their ungodly ways. This fierceness is also seen in the way that man’s behaviour to others has changed. No longer is there common decency, instead man behaves more like a savage than a civilised human being. Life has become cheap. Murder and assault are prevalent in our society because of the lack of consistent control and measures in inhibit those who refuse to live like human beings. Such fierceness is seen even in everyday interactions between people. Civility is now a thing of the past.
[N] Despisers of those that are good:
In our age where anything goes, where everything is relative, and there are no moral or spiritual absolutes, where God is rejected, we have a generation of people that despise everything that is righteous. When the good and righteous are ridiculed then we know that society is sick. When holiness, righteousness, and sacrificial love become the jokes of stand-up comedians we know our country (world) is ready for judgement. Christ is rejected and ridiculed, His Church is vilified and castigated, His Word is seen as outdated and of the superstitious past. Today anything that is good is maligned. Today goodness is considered a weakness to be exploited. The way of righteousness is hated.
[O] Traitors:
In some respect this is connected with ‘trucebreakers’ but with the added sense of betrayal. Jesus spoke of a time when people, even families, would betray one another. We may not have reached that stage in our society in Great Britain (though it was true under Communistic governments) people are being conditioned for this eventuality. The time will come when false brethren will turn real believers in to the One World Government. The traitor will do anything to save his own skin, therefore the selfish are potential betrayers.
[P] Heady:
This word could be translated as ‘headstrong’ today. There is a recklessness and self-will very apparent amongst people today. Everybody wants their own way and will go to any lengths to achieve it. There is no consideration of common sense and patience.
We live in an “I must have it now” and materialistic age that will not listen to sound advice let alone God’s Word.
[Q] Highminded:
Conceit is at a sickening level. This is seen clearly in the upwardly mobile but is evident in all walks of life. So many have such a high opinion of themselves that they are quickly offended if they are not recognised or honoured. Many conduct their lives with an air of self-importance.
[R] Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God:
Selfishness must finally reject what God desires. Hedonism (the theory that pleasure is the chief good) is the standard to which our society has fallen. To indulge in some new pleasure is all that man seems to live for. Even amongst Christians there appears to be little objection to drinking, partying, going to dances or the cinema, instead they are increasingly become part of some churches fellowship activities. How few actually love God with all of their heart, soul, and strength!
[S] Having a form of godliness:
Paul is revealing that these things will become commonplace in the Church and the world of the last days. We live in a day when even from pulpits we hear that God condones homosexuality, abortion, drinking, and pleasure seeking. They may name the name of Christ but by their deeds they prove that they do not belong to Him. They have denied His saving power and grace. There is no life-changing power or authority in a perverted gospel preached from perverted pulpits. The apostle Paul warns us to keep clear of all such people.
[T] Persecution of the godly:
God will always have a voice declaring His word despite the terrible days we may live in. It is our responsibility to “turn away” from all such carnality and perversion, but we will find that we will not be loved for standing against it. Persecution is the result of speaking against error wherever it may be found in a godless society. If they are “haters of God”, self-willed, and self-seeking, then they will do all that they can to silence the voice of the righteous. As believers we must maintain godliness, faith, endurance, purity and God’s love in our lives.