Just Before Dawn 2 Timothy 3:1-5 The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn Thomas Fuller. Acts 28:30-31 Philemon 22 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:8. Thought of the Text: We need to identify those who are doing the will of the devil and avoid them. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 The phrase last days is used 6 times in the Bible; once in the OT (Genesis 49:1) and 5 times in the NT. The phrase last days actually refers to the entire Kingdom Age, which began at the ascension of Jesus and ends at His Second Coming. Acts 2:17 Hebrews 1:1, 2 Revelation 12:12 We can expect the last days of the last days to be the most difficult. John 13:34, 35 The kingdom of heaven is like Matthew 13:24. by their fruits you will know them Matthew 7:20. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 Matthew 8:28 exceedingly fierce Three things which people living in the Kingdom Age LOVE: 1. Lovers of Self 2. Lovers of Stuff 3. Lovers of Sensuality 1
1. Lovers of Self: For men will be lovers of themselves 2 Timothy 3:2. boasters, proud, and haughty Self-centered love or concern for one s own self -- selfish love, self-centered love; loving oneself; excessively intent on one s own interests; Greek lexicon. Self-abasement is self-love with an envious eye. Boastful means to speak highly of yourself. 1 John 2:16 Pride is a high or excessive opinion of one s own dignity, importance, merit or superiority. A man s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor. Proverbs 29:23. Mark 7:21-23 Psalm 34:18 2. Lovers of Stuff: Covetous means having or showing a great desire to possess something, typically something belonging to someone else. They are lovers of money and aroused by an inordinate desire [greedy] for wealth Amplified 2 Timothy 3:2 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money Luke 16:14, 15. Luke 16:19 The largest ad market in the world, the United States expended more than 190 billion U.S. dollars on advertising in 2016. Statista s website. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Matthew 16:26 Luke 9:25 (Self-Storage Picture) 2
3. Lovers of Sensuality: Hedonism is defined as the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence. Synonyms: Self-indulgence, pleasure-seeking, self-gratification, intemperance, immoderation, extravagance, luxury, high living. How can the pursuit of Holiness and the pursuit of Pleasure be accomplished by the same person at the same time? Romans 8:16, 17 Philippians 1:29 1 Thessalonians 3:4 Colossians 1:24 Three things which people living in the Kingdom Age HATE: 1. Hate God 2. Hate God s people 3. Hate God s authority 1. Hate God: Matthew 6:2 form Greek: The form by which a person or thing strikes the vision; or the external appearance. They will act as if they are religious NLT 2 Tim 3:5. They have the outward shape without the reality Robertson s Word Pictures. Jude 13 Ps 81:15 In the Church Age, religions have always been; they currently are; and they will continue to be filled with people who Hate God. suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 1 Timothy 6:5. 3
2. Hate God s people: When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you. NLT John 15:18. 1 John 4:20, 21 Titus 3:3 John 8:44 James 4:3, 4 Traitor is someone betrays another person s trust. Luke 6:16 Acts 7:52 Titus 3:3 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 3. Hate God s authority: Lord has established the home, the church and the government. Exodus 20:12 The promise of longevity that accompanies the command refers to duration as a nation in covenant relationship with God rather than a lengthy lifespan for each obedient individual. Bible Knowledge Commentary. The head of the home relinquishes his obligation as disciplinarian Grant Martin, Anabaptist Faith website. The statement disobedient to parents has huge implications. It is the erosion that undermines the foundation our society is built on. You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Acts 7:52. The phrase a stiff-necked people is a figure of speech for rebellion and disobedience taken from stubborn domestic animals, such as oxen that turn their shoulders away from the yoke and refuse to follow directions. Nelson s Bible Dictionary. 4
2 Timothy 3:5 NKJV And from such people turn away! NASU Avoid such men as these. AMP Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]. NIV Have nothing to do with them. NASB avoid such men as these. NLT You must stay away from people like that. NRSV Avoid them! I command you to keep on staying away from people who love the things of the world and hate the things of God. Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits. 1 Corinthians 15:33. 1 Corinthians 5:10 ~ (Picture) Marine Security Guard Clayton Lonetree ~ Application: 1) We need to recognize the characteristics of the Last Days Sinners and not allow these to find a place in our hearts. 2) We need to identify the Last Days Sinners and refuse to be yoked to them and refuse to fellowship with them. 5