....in the last days difficult times will come.
-- 2 Timothy 3:1
What Christians Should
"Know and Understand"
in End Times
For those days will be a time of tribulation such as has not occurred since the beginning of the creation which God created until now,
and never will.
Unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, whom He chose, He shortened the days.
--- Mark 13:19-20
► Know that God is in Control!
In spite of how we feel at times, we need to remind ourselves what the word of God says. Immersing ourselves in the truth of scripture will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and increase our faith. The LORD is all powerful and controls all things.
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens,
And His sovereignty rules over all.
--- Psalm 103:19
-- Proverbs 19:21 ESV, Proverbs 16:9 ESV, Psalm 115:3 ESV, Matthew 19:26 ESV, Isaiah 55:8-11 ESV, Proverbs 16:4 ESV, Psalm 46:10, Proverbs 16:9, Isaiah 14:24, Isaiah 45:6-7, Jeremiah 32:27, Psalm 103:19
► Know that the world around us has lost their fear of God
We have long reached the tipping point in the world in which most do not fear God. That alone makes the world a very dangerous place and sets the table for the "end times."
--Psalm 36:1, Romans 3:18, Psalm 55:19, Isaiah 57:11, Jeremiah 44:10, Ecclesiastes 8:13, Proverbs 1:28-29, Malachi 3:5, John 9:31, 2 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Peter 2:17, Revelation 14:7
Deeper Dive Concerning the "World":
"This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come."
--- 2 Timothy 3:1 KJV
The Greek word for "perilous" is chalepos and also means difficult, fierce, or violent.
This greek word is only used one other time in the Bible, Matthew 8:28, to describe the demoniac in the tombs.
The world in the end times will be like that violet demoniac… not in their right mind, insane thinking, "EXCEEDINGLY FIERCE"
(Matthew 8:28 KJV)
"DEPRAVED"
(Romans 1:28 NASB)
"LIKE UNREASONING ANIMALS" (2Peter 2:12 NASB).
As you look around, you will find that many in the "world" have lost COMMON SENSE.... they are SCATTERED in their thinking... they are IRRATIONAL in their decisions.
Most in the world
►have no fear of God
(Romans 3:18)
►do not love truth
(2 Thessalonians 2:10)
►call good, evil and evil, good
(Isaiah 5:20)
We have reached a place where many in the world have turned to the doctrines of demons. And as followers of Christ, this comes as no surprise:
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,"
--- 1Timothy 4:1
For many with a "depraved" mind (Romans 1:28) a point of no return has been reached …there is no remedy.
"A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy."
--- Proverbs 29:1
Much of the world has "gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah."
--- Jude 1:11
Jesus said to "watch and pray." (Matthew 26:41)
Being aware of the "World" condition is actually part of the "watching." We now need to double down in praying for this lost world and for the strengthening of faith for our brothers and sisters.
► Know that the world does not love truth:
the world calls "evil good, and good evil" and "substitute darkness for light and light for darkness" (Isaiah 5:20)
God's word is truth (John 17:17)
--- 1 Corinthians 13:6, Ephesians 4:15, John 14:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, Psalm 119:160, 1 Peter 1:22, 2 Timothy 2:24-25, John 8:32, John 4:24, 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Timothy 3:8, Philippians 4:8, John 8:44, John 1:14, Proverbs 23:23, 1 John 1:8, Zechariah 8:19
and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
--- 2 Thessalonians 2:10
►
Know that Wisdom from God Brings Security.
And that the LORD stores up wisdom for the upright.
--- James 1:5, James 3:17, Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 16:16, Psalm 90:12, Romans 11:33, Matthew 7:24, Proverbs 9:10, Proverbs 3:13, Proverbs 3:7
My son, if you will receive my words
And treasure my commandments within you,
2 Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
3 For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
4 If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
8 Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
11 Discretion will guard you,
Understanding will watch over you,
12 To deliver you from the way of evil,
From the man who speaks perverse things;
--- Proverbs 2:1-12 NASB
► Know the comfort of the LORD Jesus Christ when He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
--Hebrews 13:5-6, Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5,9, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Psalm 23:4, Galatians 2:20, John 6:37, John 14:18, Psalm 100:3, 1 Corinthians 3:23
Go therefore and make disciples...
teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
--- Matthew 28:19-20
► Know that in the last days, wickedness with unprecedented violence will abound:
Spiritual darkness will exponentially increase as people become "lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy..." -- 2 Timothy 3:2-4 NASB
Research groups say we are experiencing a narcissism epidemic. Narcissism is selfishness, involving a sense of entitlement, a lack of empathy, and a need for admiration. And out of this cruel indifference, violence will erupt. This rise in violence is called the Lucifer Effect by psychologists. The Bible says the last days will be full of violence like the days of Noah.
see
Genesis 6:11
--- 2 Timothy 3:2-5 ESV, Luke 17:26, 2 Peter 3:3-4 ESV, Genesis 6:5, Matthew 24:10 ESV, 2 Thessalonians 2:10 ESV, Ephesians 4:19 ESV, Romans 1:30, 2 Timothy 3:2-4, Proverbs 6:17
► Know that the
Anti-Christ spirit is increasing exponentially and will continue to do so.
As we enter the end times, there is a substantial increase in the number of teachers speaking deceit and false doctrines.
We must be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).
Remember,
"do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God"
(1 John 4:1)
Watch carefully for false teachers.
Be on guard!
--- 1 John 2:18, 1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:3 NKJV, 2 John 1:7
The Apostle Paul wrote:
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,."
--- 1 Timothy 4:1 NASB
The Apostle John echoed this when he wrote:
"and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world."
1 John 4:3 NKJV
► Know that if you live Godly in Christ Jesus, you will be persecuted.
--Luke 6:27-28, James 1:2-3,1 John 2:18 ESV, 2 Thessalonians 2:7-12, Matthew 5:10-12, Matthew 10:23, Luke 21:12, John 15:20, Romans 8:35, Romans 12:14, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:12
Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
--- 1 Peter 4:19 NASB
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
--- 2 Timothy 3:12
But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them,
nor be troubled,
--- 1 Peter 3:14
► Know that Jesus did not come to bring peace on the earth but a sword.
Those who reject Jesus, hate Him. They will hate His followers as well (John 15:18).
--Luke 12:49-53, John 16:2-3
Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.
35 For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
36 And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.
37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.
39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
--- Matthew 10:34-39
►
Understand that you will be betrayed and hated because of the name of Jesus.
-- Luke 21:16-19, Matthew 24:10, Mark 13:12
But you will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Luke 21:16-19
►
Know that depravity will increase.
As the wicked go from bad to worse, their depraved minds will become more and more scattered like unreasoning
animals.
-- Jude 1:10, 2 Peter 2:12, Romans 1:28 NASB, 1Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 3:8, 2 Timothy 3:13
►
Understand you are not fighting against flesh and blood. Satan and his servants come as an angels of light; They come as wolves in sheep's clothing. They often can quote scripture as well as a follower of Jesus Christ but they misuse or twist God's word. They speak lies. The Anti-Christ comes as an angel of light and will deceive many.
-- Ephesians 6:12, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Matthew 24:24
► Understand that mockers will come.
Such mockers are proud, haughty scoffers showing contempt and insolent pride.
And when you see pride
in the world around you,
know that it is an end time
sign. (2 Timothy 3:2 KJV )
And according to the Bible, they are unwise and unable to take correction. Do not be surprised by such behavior.
-- 2 Peter 3:3, Proverbs 21:24, Proverbs 19:29, 2 Timothy 3:1, Proverbs 15:1, Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 3:34, Proverbs 29:8, Proverbs 9:8, Isaiah 28:22, Proverbs 9:7, Job 17:2, Proverbs 24:9, Proverbs 9:12, Proverbs 1:22, Proverbs 14:6, Acts 13:41, Proverbs 21:11, Proverbs 13:1
... In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.
--- Jude 1:18 NASB
► Understand that Satan has blinded much of the world and the gospel is hidden from them.
And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
--- 2 Corinthians 4:3-4
--- 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Romans 2:5, 2 Corinthians 3:15
► Understand that Apostasy will cause many to turn from faith in Jesus.
Jesus told us beforehand so we would not be surprised.
Prepare and Guard Your Heart
Click here for more about the Great Falling Away called the Apostasy.
--- 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV, 1 Timothy 4:1, Jude 1:4, Matthew 7:21-23 ESV, Psalm 81:15, Matthew 24:11 ESV, 2 Timothy 4:3 NASB, Matthew 24:5, Romans 8:7–8, 1 John 2:15, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 ESV, 2 Peter 2:22
► Understand that the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God
-- John 16:1-4 ESV, Matthew 24:9, John 15:19-20, Luke 21:16-17, Luke 21:12, Revelation 2:10, Matthew 10:17-22, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 6:22
Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.
--- 1 John 3:13
If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
--- John 15:18
► Know that even though you are in the world, this world is not your home. You are just passing through. Your home is in heaven with the Lord.
-- Philippians 3:20-21, John 14:2-3, Revelation 21:2, 2 Peter 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:8
For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
--- Hebrews 13:14 NLT
► Understand that separate from the world does not mean isolation from the world.
To be a light on a hill, you have to engage the world while not conforming to the world's thinking and values. Becoming a lone wolf prepper is not the answer. Jesus is the answer and our testimony will be important in end times.
We all have a testimony.
-- 1 John 2:15-17, Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19, 1 Peter 3:15, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 1:8-9, Psalm 119:46, John 15:27, 1 John 5:10, Matthew 24:14
For more on the importance of our end time testimony, see my commentary on the "Ten Virgins Parable": Click Here
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
--- Revelation 12:11
► Remember, there is no fear in love. Love your neighbor as yourself, speak truth in love, love mercy, and don't let your love grow cold.
--- 1 John 4:18 ESV, Matthew 24:12 ESV, Jude 1:21, Matthew 5:43-45a, 1 Corinthians 13:1, Romans 12:21, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 John 4:7, 1 Corinthians 13:13
► Understand that it is by our Our faith in.. belief in.. trust in.. obedience to.. surrender to Jesus Christ that we inherit the promises of God.
-- Romans 4:13 NASB, Romans 4:16 NASB, Romans 9:8, Galatians 3:14, Hebrews 10:36, Galatians 3:22, Ephesians 1:13
so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
--- Hebrews 6:12
► Understand that righteousness, godliness, faithfulness, kindness, holiness and love are qualities of a Christian life.
-- 1 Timothy 6:11, Galatians 5:22-23 ESV, Colossians 3:12 ESV, 2 Peter 3:10-13 NASB,
► Remember that you are not your own, you have been bought with a price. You belong to Jesus.
--1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Psalm 100:3, John 10:27-28, Romans 14:8, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, 1 John 3:1
► Remember that these things must take place to fulfill Bible prophecy
-- Matthew 24:6, Revelation 1:1, Revelation 4:1, Revelation 22:6, John 16:13
► Understand that we do not know the day or hour of the Rapture. We know that we are a day closer than yesterday.
Look up for the Blessed Hope.
Maranatha: The Lord is coming!
-- Titus 2:13, Romans 13:11 ESV, Hebrews 9:28 NASB, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ESV
► Know that if there is any sin in your life, REPENT NOW.
And if you are a Christian, click
here to make sure you have been
born again as our Lord said in
John 3:3
-- 2 Corinthians 6:2 NASB, Revelation 3:3 ESV, Acts 3:19-21 ESV
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus --- Romans 15:5