But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come . . .  (2 Tim 3:1)

² For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, ⁴ traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  (2 Tim 3:2-5)

Many of you already know that the Bible repeatedly mentions the last days.  This is a term that typically is understood to refer to a period when historical events would reach a final climax.  Whether or not theologians disagree on the terminology, we can all agree that we are living in perilous times. The Scripture passage shown above in 2 Timothy 3:2-5 describes what types of behavior we would see in the last days. 

If we are very honest, we have to admit that yes, we do see all of these behaviors in evidence in our world today.  So how should we respond to our perilous times?

The Bible shows us the way:

• Read the Bible. (Josh 1:8; Neh 8:3; Ro 10:17)
• Obey the Bible. (Joh 14:23; Jas 1:22)
• Understand that Christians will at some point or other suffer persecution. (Mk 10:30; 2 Tim 3:12)
• Follow Christ’s example in all things. (Joh 13:13-16; Lk 9:23; 1 Cor 11:1)
• Allow the Scriptures to read you, correct you, and to transform you. (Heb 4:12; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Rom 12:2)
• Love your enemies; pray for those who hurt you or abuse you. (Lk 6:27-28)
• Resist the devil. (Jas 4:7)

Let us be obedient to the Word of God, and followers of Jesus, our example.