This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Timothy 3:1
Did you know that it is a sin not to be aware of things that God wants us to know and understand? It’s true; God has given to us clear knowledge in His Word of various things that we are to be aware of. And unless we make ourselves aware of them, we will not be ready to live as He wants us to live, and act as He wants us to act. The word ‘know’ in our text presents us with one of those things that we must be aware of. This is the Greek word ‘ginosko’, which is not only the word for ‘knowledge’ but is also presented in the present imperative tense. Simply put, this means that it is a command for us to recognize something that God requires us to know. Among the various things that every Christian should know and understand is the truth presented in this verse, that perilous times will come in the last days.
When are the last days mentioned in our verse? We can take this in one of two different ways, and both will be correct. The first meaning refers to the final days of our current dispensation of grace. That is, the final days before the Rapture of the saints. The second meaning refers to the events that will occur in the next dispensation, including all of the judgments that will be poured out on the earth during the great tribulation. Surely those will be perilous times as untold millions will die and as many more will suffer terrible diseases and catastrophes. But how will the last days of our current age be perilous?
Are we living in the last days? I am certainly not alone in saying yes. Many things point to the reality that our world is ripening rapidly for judgment, and that events are shaping up to accommodate the administration of the man of sin. We can’t know for sure, but it certainly appears that we are in the last days. If so, what perils are we facing during these times? Frankly speaking, the greatest of our perils is ourselves. Christians, especially in our part of the world, have entered into the characteristics of the age of Laodicea. The apathy that envelopes the world has affected the saints, and we are in great peril of losing the rewards that our Lord would have us pursue in our service for Him. Christians in other lands face other perils, such as the deep persecutions from Communist, Islamic, and Hindu opponents of our God. We ought to be deeply thankful that we do not have to face those perils in our land. But other perils are emerging. The so-called politically correct and the homosexual movements in our society have their sights aimed directly at Christians as they push their agendas and seek to trample the rights of others. Because we believe – and declare – the Word of God and what it teaches about sin and judgment, we are being increasingly viewed as radicals and hateful toward others. If things continue, we will soon find it perilous to be faithful witnesses for our Lord, to preach the Gospel, to gather as saints according to our Lord’s command, and to obtain Bibles and Christian literature.
As the times become more perilous, the last days draw to a close, and our Lord’s return is near. Let us not fear the arrival of perilous times. – Jim MacIntosh