The Last Days

Earlene Davis

Many believers do not realize the time in which we are living. Our Apostle Paul informs us, relaying the message from the Holy Spirit in I Tim. 4:1, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” We are seeing this coming to pass, many are seduced by Satan and receive false religious doctrines. V. 2, “Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron.” Thus we know, we are living in the last days of this Church Age. 

Paul in writing to Titus said, false teachers profess to know God, presenting themselves to be pious, but have no conscience about deceasing the people. They are abominable, and unto every good work reprobate. Putting people under bondage. Paul said by the Spirit in I Tim. 6:3-5, if any one teaches otherwise than the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ He is proud, knowing nothing. The fruit of their words is envy, strife, railing, evil surmising. It is perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

I Tim. 4:3, “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:  For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” God’s Word purifies when we thank Him for what He has provided for us. Thank God for His warning of threatening dangers peculiar to this end time.

By the description found in II Tim. 3:1-5, there is no doubt, we are in the end Days of this Age. Religious men can have the appearance of godliness, but know nothing of the power thereof. True godliness has power without any form or laws. V. 13, it is getting worse all the time.  V. 14, let us to continue in the Word of God which we have learned, which makes us wise to understand that we may prevail in these perilous days. Let us not be careless in our attitude. The world boasts in its wisdom, but if we honor God’s Word, He gives us of His wisdom. Job said, that wisdom is valuable above rubies. I Cor. 1:30 says, “In Christ, God is made unto us – wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.”

God’s Word meets every need, no matter what circumstance we are in; and we desire God’s work of perfection in our lives. So let us not neglect the Scriptures. Which pushes us on and builds us up. When we are faithful to testify of God’s goodness and love, the Holy Spirit will do His work of convicting sinners or encourage believers. For He brings the Word home to people. If it is not received, that same Word will judge them. We are not called to clean up the world, as some seem to think. We are called upon to simply let our light shine.

II Tim. 4:3, “itching ears” will hear only what they want to hear. V. 4, Many don’t want to hear the truth, but rather believe a lie. The Gospel is not popular and Satan would like to make us ashamed to speak God’s Word, to boldly testify for fear of rejection. “God has not given us the spirit of fear” – II Tim. 1:7. Fear brings other temptations, to let down, to take it easy, to neglect the Scriptures. But the Gospel has power to deliver from this present evil world. Rom. 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ for it is the power of God, unto salvation to every one that believeth. ‘

 

I Cor. 1:18, “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” V. 21, “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Vs. 24-25, to them which are called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger then men.” God has chosen the foolish things, the weak things, the base things, to bring to naught things that are: That no flesh should glory in His presence…He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.”

Hardships and afflictions will come when we testify, but we can overcome by the power and wisdom of God and endure as a good soldier of Jesus Christ – II Tim. 2:3. Let us remember the battle is the Lord’s, trust Him for strength – I Sam. 17:47. We are constrained by the love of Christ to endure and go forward with Him – II Cor. 5:14-15. Others will behold how we stand and withstand and it influences them for good. Let us consider this that many would faint if you and I failed to endure. Our attitude speaks to those around us.

God’s Word is inspired (God breathed) and is meant to be learned and made practical in our lives. It will put a fire  in our bones to share it. We see in the Word, a crown is promised and I desire to be in the throne room of heaven to cast my crown at the feet of the worthy One, who died for me. Let us press on that we may qualify for the out resurrection from among the believing dead or the translation of the first rank; to witness Jesus taking His throne, crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. Our Lord laid the foundation, that we might have the privilege of overcoming and reigning jointly with Our Lord – Rom. 8:17. Jesus is coming, we want to be ready. Heb. 10:37, “For yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.”