In the Last Days

Before you start todays devotional, ask the Lord to use it to grow you up in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

What will the last days look like? And what should a Christian do?

Paul didn’t have much time left, so he spared no words. The last days before the church's rapture are going to be dangerous. Apostasy will ravage the church like poison. But the child of God holds the antidote, the Word of God.

False leaders (wolves) will enter the church, not teaching the Word of God but fleecing the sheep in the congregation (see Acts 20:29-30). Paul describes this coming apostasy in a list of 19 characteristics. It is an ugly brood, but together they give the best scriptural picture of what’s happening today.

1. “Lovers of themselves.” In the last days, congregations will follow teachers who want their ears scratched—they want to be complimented. They don’t tell the people that they are sinners and need a Savior; they tell them how wonderful they are. This self-love characterizes our contemporary society.
2. “Lovers of money” is related to lovers of self. One follows the other.
3. People will be “boasters,” convinced of their own importance and also—
4. “Proud” or arrogant in their attitude.
5. They will be “blasphemers”—those who poke their noses into somebody else’s business to abuse them.
6. The young apostasy will be “disobedient” to parent’s discipline. Rebellion sets in at an early age.
7. They will be “unthankful,” receiving kindnesses from others without even thinking of thanking them. And they accept everything from God without ever returning thanks to Him.
8. They also act out against God in how they talk and live their lives and are “unholy” in their habits.
9. In addition, the last days will be characterized by heartless people, “unloving.” These folks are irreconcilable—they won’t let you get along with them. They will be “without natural affection” (KJV), meaning having abnormal relationships. We live in a day that is trying to normalize homosexuality when we know it is not. Romans 1:24 clearly states homosexuality dishonors the body. Humanity sinks to its lowest level when it accepts homosexuality.
10. People will also be “unforgiving” and consequently irreconcilable.
11. They will be “slanderers” of others’ characters, spreading malicious gossip.
12. They will be “without self-control,”, especially self-restraint.
13. “Brutal,” acting in an uncivilized way.
14. “Despisers of good” means they will be antagonistic toward whatever is good.
15. You don’t dare trust anybody in these days since they are likely to be “traitors” and betray you.
16. They will act “headstrong” and reckless.
17. They will be “haughty,” drunk with their own pride, wrapped in a mist of self-delusion.
18. They will be “lovers [of their own personal] pleasure…”
19. “…Rather than lovers of God.” There has never been a time like today when so much money has been spent to provide pleasure. Billions of dollars are spent for entertainment (e.g., movies, athletic events, etc.) because people are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. They go through the rituals of religion but lack real life and the power of God in their lives.

Don’t waste one more day hanging around people (inside and outside the church) who model these 19 characteristics. All across this country are wonderful pastors and churches that faithfully stand on the Word of God. Go stand with them.

The only antidote against a world of apostasy is the Word of God. Understanding and applying Scripture is the only recourse to combat this evil of false teachers.

Paul says Scripture not only tells us how we are saved but also enables us to grow and give us deliverance down here. The constant study of the Word of God is the only help we have, helping us know how to live down here.

When Paul says “all Scripture,“ he means all of it, from Genesis to Revelation. This Word we have is good for teaching, good for conviction, good for setting things right in your life. If you read this book like any other, then the Spirit of God is not moving in your life. But if it convicts you, then you know the Holy Spirit is at work within you. God’s Word is good for instruction, helping you think and act in accordance with God’s will. This will help you to grow in maturity. When it gets into your life, it does something that no other book can do because it is the very Word of God.

1. Why do you think arrogance is so prevalent when Paul discusses the characteristics of apostasy?

2. Thankfulness can be a defense against apostasy. What blessings from God in your life can you be more thankful for?

3. Failing to forgive is to begin down the path of apostasy. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive, or is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness?

Additional Resources

Listen to Dr. J. Vernon McGee’s complete teachings on 2 Timothy 3:1-12 and 2 Timothy 3:8-17.