Be Strong
August 2021 |
We live in a time when it is politically correct to make fun of Christianity and the God we serve. It is not easy to stay the course. It is not easy to take a stand when those around you feel they have the freedom to challenge everything that is godly. And yet, if there was ever a time for the redeemed of the Lord to stand up and be counted, it is now. Remember, God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. Be strong!
The Last Days
There is no doubt we are living in the last days. Wickedness is on the increase at a faster rate than any other time in church history. The apostle Paul had a revelation of what the last days would be like: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (II Tim. 3:1-5).
We live in a self-centered world where, if it feels good, do it; if you want it, take it; and if you have an opinion, give it, regardless of what it does to those around you.
Repetition Reduces Resistance
Paul said there would be boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, and those who are unholy. It is not that they sin. That’s been going on since Adam and Eve were expelled out of the garden. It’s that they flaunt it for all to see. They dare us to say or do anything. Repetition reduces resistance. The more we see it, the more we have the danger of accepting it. It’s in the news, on the streets, in magazines, movies, and television programs. Society started off opposed to immorality; it was offended, but through repetition became neutral. Now most of society accepts this new norm. We must be strong and stand for holiness in a time of wickedness.
Anger Rules
There is an anger that has swept across this nation. Victory through violence has been allowed to go unanswered. Buildings burned, opposition beaten (sometimes killed), and those who instigated it or participated have not been brought to justice.
Anger is the common reaction against those who disagree with the unruly attackers of what has made America great. Paul addressed these as if he were here today: False accusers, without restraint, despisers of those that are good (II Tim. 3:3). What a picture of the days we live in! Be strong! Let your light shine.
Lovers Of Pleasure
Paul described our society as being “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” Fleshly desires have become more important than serving our Creator. There are even those in the church who have twisted the Scriptures to fulfill their own lusts. They are deceived at the least and wolves in sheep’s clothing at the worst. What is worse than wolves in sheep’s clothing? Wolves in shepherd’s clothing. Paul warned of the increase of false doctrine in the last days. He talked about seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (I Tim. 4:1).
Paul’s Charge To Timothy
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (II Tim. 4:1-5).
You may not be a pastor and think, “That’s not for me.” Allow me to close by quoting Peter: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15). Be strong, my friend.
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