Young People's Group

IN THESE PERILOUS TIMES

by Pastor Mitch
July 01, 2012

Warning Of False Teachers In The Last Days

We are living in perilous times. In the text of 1 Timothy 4:1-2, Paul warned of how in the latter times, people will depart from the faith because of demonic deception through false doctrines. In the text of 2 Timothy 3, Paul also warned that in the last days, perilous times will come. His focus in this chapter is on the kind of false teachers that would be in the church. There are two things, amongst other things, that would characterize them. Firstly, they would be just like the people of the world. They would be lovers of themselves, of money and of pleasure. They would be blatantly arrogant and unholy. They seem to be godly but they do not have a real relationship with the Lord (2 Timothy 3:5). Secondly, they would go against the truth of God’s word. They are always learning but never having a complete understanding of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7). Paul warned of how these people will not progress further and their folly would be manifest to all (2 Timothy 3:8). Young people, let’s be wary of such people and may we not be deceived by them.

The Challenge To Remain Faithful To God In These Perilous Times

Our challenge is to live in total contradistinction to these false teachers. The phrase “But you” is mentioned twice in the text of 2 Timothy 3. Paul was emphasizing to Timothy that he was to live in sharp contrast to these false teachers. Our challenge is to be stand strong against this growing apostasy and remain faithful to the Lord.

1. Carefully Following The Exemplary Life Of Paul

“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance” 
2 Timothy 3:10

When we read this verse from the Greek text, there is an article in front of every feature of Paul’s exemplary life and ministry, although this is not translated in the English Bible. The article “The” is meant to tell us that these features are distinctives of Paul’s life and ministry. Timothy succeeded in carefully following these fundamental distinctives. He was able to follow Paul’s doctrines from the word, his way of life, sense of purpose, faith, longsuffering, love and perseverance. Young people, let’s also learn from Timothy to follow after Paul’s pattern of life and ministry.

2. Continuing In The Things Taught To Us

“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them” 
2 Timothy 3:14

In contrast to people who do not love the truth, we must have a deep love for the truth of God’s word that has been taught to us. Our part is to continue in this body of truth that has been given to us through the teaching and the example of those who have taught us. I truly thank God for the many lessons that I have learnt from Pastor Charles. As I listen to the word of God preached each week, my heart is deeply encouraged and assured by them. Being taught from the Holy Scriptures since young, I have come to recognize how vital the word of God is in our lives. Let’s seek to make even more effort to remain in the things that have been taught to us from His precious word.

Back to Article Listing