RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 34-PERILOUS TIMES

MEMORY VERSE:‘’This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1

BIBLE PASSAGE:2 Timothy 3:1-5.

INTRODUCTION

The translated word for “perilous” in 2 Timothy 3:1 is ‘chalepos’, which means troublesome, dangerous,harsh, fierce, full of risk, hazardous, harmful, dreadful, threatening. The term, “last days”, refers to the period between Christ’s accession into Heaven and His second coming. “Perilous times” constitute part of the last days events to wrap up the world to pave way for the new heaven and earth. ‘The last days’ is not just a prophecy, it started from the days of the Bible Hebrews 1:2,1 John 2:18-19. The importance of the prophecy and warning against the perilous times cannot be over emphasised because we are living in the fulfilment of the perilous times. The purpose of this study is to carefully consider the writing of Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 on the things that characterise the ‘Perilous Times’ and the position every believer in Christ should take.

OUTLINE

1.THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERILOUS TIMES

2. BELIEVERS WATCHOUT!

1.THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERILOUS TIMES

According to Paul, the conduct of the people will create the perilous times especially for the believers in Jesus Christ. Some people will be ‘lovers of their own selves’ 2 Timothy 3:2, they will be self- centred Philippians 2:21; ‘covetous’ – having lust of the eyes, great eagerness for acquisition of wealth and materialism at all cost Luke 12:15; 2 Peter 2:3; ‘boasters’- expressing vain glory Psalm 10:3; ‘proud’- valuing themselves above all others Proverbs 21:4; ‘blasphemers’- those who speak immorally of God and sacred things Mark 3:29; ‘disobedient to parents’ – disrespecting and dishonouring both biological and spiritual parents Ephesians 6:1-2; ‘unthankful’ – not appreciating God and others for good deeds Romans 1:21; ‘unholy’ – not pleasing God jude 18.

Furthermore, 2 Timothy 3:3 says some people will be ‘without natural affection’ – no family affection and lack of tender love; ‘trucebreakers’ – treacherous and betraying true friendship Romans 1:31; ‘False accusers’ control or unrestrained 2 Peter 2:14; ‘fierce’ -wild or violent, having or displaying an intense, ferocious aggressiveness Psalm 11:5; ‘despisers of those that are good’ – All forms of lies, evil speaking against true believers and godliness Romans 1:30; Nehemiah 2:19.

2 Timothy 3:4 also makes mention of the ‘traitors’- who betray trust and confidences for gain Acts 7:52; ‘heady’ – to be rash, reckless or head strong Proverbs 21:29a; ‘high- minded’ – those who are full of themselves, puffed-up 1 Timothy 3:6; ‘lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God’- All forms of immorality and ungodliness that satisfy the flesh Philippians 3:19.

In addition, 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks of them as ‘Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof’- Being religious but not victorious above sin, outwardly looking good but inwardly rotten in unrighteousness Matthew 23:27.

2. BELIEVERS WATCHOUT!

Scriptures admonish all believers living in this ‘last days’ to turn away from all ungodly practices to avoid being caught in the web of the perilous times 2 Timothy 3:5. As true believers, we must therefore receive the prophecies/warning and be always conscious of it. We must separate from the company and fellowship of people with the characters above 2 Corinthians 6:14-17. We must avoid all forms of natural desires of our human nature and false doctrines but rather stand firm in faith Romans 8:6-7; Ephesians 4:14. We must be watchful and be prayerful to guide against deception and temptation to sin Matthew 26:41; 2 Corinthians 2:11. We must release ourselves to the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to His leading James 4:7; Romans 8:14.

CONCLUSION

This is a perilous time; every believer that wants to get to heaven must heed the warning, careful to live a separate life from the world and false brethren to please God.