Living in the Last Days

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 Timothy 3:1
Text: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

The New Testament uses the expression "last days" in five different verses. We are living in the last days, as Hebrews 1:1-2 reveals. The period of time between the first coming of Jesus and the second coming of Jesus is referred to as "the last days" in the New Testament.

Paul wants Timothy to be well aware of what he should expect in these last days. He will face resistance and rejection from those within the church community who have a "form of godliness" but "deny its power" (2 Timothy 3:5).  These people talk about God but their lives are defined by narcissism, hedonism, and materialism.

Paul instructs Timothy at the end of 2 Timothy 2 to "correct his opponents with gentleness" so "God may perhaps grant them repentance" (v 25). Timothy is to confront these wayward individuals in a kind and instructive manner, but if they refuse to repent, he is to no longer allow them to be part of the church command. The church is to avoid them.

Paul instructs the church in Corinth to deal with a sexually immoral person in a similar manner: "When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). He is to be treated as an unbeliever and no longer be allowed to fellowship with the believers of the church unless he repents.

If you've ever been in part of a church community that has enacted church discipline, you know how difficult it is. Most churches avoid it altogether because of the challenges of being consistent, the negative publicity, and even the threat of litigation.

So why is the Bible so strong and clear on this topic? Because the Bible is clear about God’s desire for us to reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1:15).

As you contemplate our text this week, consider inviting a few gospel-centered friends into your life. The pursuit of pleasure rather than holiness is our heart's default position. Luke Gilkerson provides wise counsel as we seek to follow God in these dangerous times. He writes, "Gospel-centered friends are people who truly know us and who help us know ourselves better. These friends can see past the masks we wear and our personality quirks. They are people with whom we can share our story, people who can help us see the sovereign ways God is guiding and fathering us."