A sign of the times 1 Timothy 4:1-4; 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Are we in the end times or what? What do you think? Now, there is a real truth to the fact that the last 2000 years have been the end times, but are we at the end of the end times? If so, how many years have we got? What do think? 10, 20…maybe 50 years. What say you?
There are a number of things that point to the very real possibility that we are very close to the end times, but the Bible is the ultimate authority. While we can look at issues or events in the current era, the Scriptures are very clear on what we should expect just before our Lord returns.
We actually have a lot of scriptural data on this; in fact, too much to deal with. John wrote a whole book on it: Revelation. Paul spoke a lot about it through his letters, this just being a small part, and of course the Lord Jesus spoke at length about His return and what the events and precursors to it would be.
But are we near and does it matter? I believe it certainly matters, because the Lord speaks about it a lot in His Word, but what should our understanding be and how does it affect the way we minister?
What I think we have all noted is that everyone, especially since covid, is talking about the supernatural, both an evil entity and a good entity. Some are happy to call it God and the devil; others it’s more yin and yang; but the conversations are being had.
We see wars and hear rumours of wars; in recent years, we have certainly seen earthquakes, tsunamis and there has even been a great interest, and even fear, in the potential of some meteors hitting the earth and what our response could be to minimise the effects of such events.
Of course, a big indicator is when Jesus said, “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:12-14). Well, of course, we are living in the very generation where that is more likely to be fulfilled in the next few years: perhaps 10 at most. Wycliffe Bible Translators are the foremost organisation that translates the Bible. They have said that there are around 6800 languages in the world: 2000 are presently without any translation. By 2025, their vision is to have work being commenced on every one of those 2000 languages which is a fantastic and phenomenal task. They have the ability and credibility to do it. So, what does that mean? With technology rapidly advancing, one indicator of Jesus saying that the Gospel must be preached, not necessarily the whole Bible but the Gospel itself, it is very likely that for most people in this room, in our lifetime, that will be achieved.
The prophet Daniel spoke about people going to and fro and that knowledge will increase on the earth. That, of course, has been happening at an alarming rate since the advent of the internet but more than this, sub particle technologies, nano technologies, even neural transmission signals and stimulus are now not part of science fiction. Technologies becoming part of our biology and interacting with a thought stimulus with current coming from our blood and other cells is now a very real possibility. Knowledge has certainly increased. Knowledge and data are being produced faster than policy containment and regulation. That’s probably the most frightening part.
One world government: Well of course, it makes sense, doesn’t it? That is the only way for global peace. Christians would say no, because of sin it’s only possible through the gospel, yes. But we are told the cry will be peace, peace, when there is no peace. There will be an outward peace – more a cloak regulating the symptoms of sin rather than healing and dealing with sin through the blood of Christ.
This makes sense, doesn’t it? Having a global police officer? Some would say the West is taking that role. Yes, but not well. There will be a point in history when all nations realise that and nationalism must be given over to internationalism in a political sense. Like the United Nations, only with teeth. There will be one world leader, the Middle East will see a season of peace. A Jew, I believe with wealth, power and global authority, will bring it about. He will be empowered by Satan, but he will be outwardly lovely and extremely charming; a political mastermind, but evil to the core.
I have much more I could say on this, but will stop there to focus on a vital and, I believe, a tragic part of the whole process as it unfolds and it was mentioned in both our passages this morning.
It concerns the great falling away. Paul said, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths”– basically telling them what they want to hear. Who are these people? They are believers who have a faith in God, but are not born of the Spirit, I.E not true converts. They will have a religion in Christ, but not a relationship with Christ. If you ever enjoy my sermons because they satisfy your carnal desires, run! If tough Bible passages are avoided from this or any pulpit, for that matter, whether live or online, run!
The tragedy is that in the end days most will not do that. Is that what we are seeing today? Yes, it is. Read Romans 1:18-32. That is our generation more than even the one Paul was writing to.
Jesus said this, “many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.” Matthew 24:10. Most who claim faith in Christ; many will fall away.
Paul to the Thessalonians said, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4)
How do they do this? Through false teachers.
Paul again said to the Ephesians in Acts 20:29, 30, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” People in the congregation, others from outside; people that they know and love and probably respect.
This will happen on a global scale and there will be a sifting of the sheep and goats globally in churches and all who would say they are Christians. Jesus again said, “The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:3-5)
The question then is: are you hearing His voice? Well, not if you’re not reading it; not if you’re not gathering to hear it. But more than this, not if you’re avoiding certain parts of the Bible because you don’t like the way it speaks to your flesh. You find it very rude. I’ll be blunt! Better that than hell.
That should be our life calling until your last day: it was for Paul. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, …” (2 Timothy 4:6-8)