In Times Like These

 

Central Thought: The believer should guard his salvation more seriously in these last days.

 

 

A careful look at the events of our society today will reveal how the devil is mounting pressure on people to lower the standards of morality and holy living.  The eventual goal of all these is to distance humanity from true fellowship with God.  More worrisome is the fact that even the church of today is under pressure, as never before, to compromise the heritage of salvation.  It is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between believers and unbelievers in terms of fruit, character and lifestyle.

Satan knows very well that time is running out on him and that the second coming of Christ is closer now than ever before.  Consequently, there is a multiplied effort to bombard the church and the world with all forms of distractions resulting in all forms of ungodliness.  There is so much falsehood, hypocrisy, immorality, wickedness, error and corruption of hearts and minds.

These should not be strange, because we have been served adequate notice in the scriptures.  This study shall highlight some of these challenges and the provisions put in place by God to ensure sustainable victory.

 

 

1. What are the characteristics of the times we live in today? Matthew 24:4-12, 23-26; Luke 21:25-26; Daniel 12:4

The present time we live in is characterized by certain peculiarities which are induced and reinforced by the kingdom of darkness.  However, we have been forewarned by God through the scriptures to resist being entangled by them.  The following features are very evident today:

1. False spiritual leaders:

Today, there are many “messengers of God” without the message of God.  They come in the form of prophets, apostles, teachers and messiahs, but their commission is of the devil.  They are able to perform signs and wonders so as to deceive the gullible, but in real terms, they are surrounded by an air of secrecy, demonic aura, error and deceit.  They attract men to themselves and not to God.

1. Violence, terrorism and wars of international dimensions:

Before now, these were concepts found only in distant lands of the earth but today, the violence of armed robbery, kidnapping, hostage-taking, assassinations, militancy, outright rebellion, and international terrorism are right in every neighborhood.  Conflicts over boundaries and resources are on the increase among nations and communities.

1. Natural disasters:

Earthquakes, cyclones, flooding, global warming, greenhouse effect and desertification are common headlines in our news-stands.  They are happening at an alarming rate and intensity that creates a sense of insecurity and fear in the land.

1. Persecution of believers, resistance to the truth of the gospel, lukewarmness in the church:

All these are common occurrences in our society today, and instances abound around us.

1. Betrayals, lawlessness, deceit and fraud:

Incidents of deceit, fraud and betrayal of trust have never been witnessed as it is today.  Advanced fee fraud, electronic scams, unredeemed promises and vows, embezzlements of public funds are common events.

1. Others are:

Increase in knowledge by way of advances in technology, exploration of the universe and other scientific breakthroughs.

Famine, which is hunger occasioned by drought, infertility of the soil, war, overpopulation or poor planning.

Lukewarmness and casualization of the faith of believers, carnality, materialism and worldliness.

Concerted efforts at ensuring world peace.

Love of pleasure, selfishness and absence of natural  affection, pride and lust.

Abuse of the marriage institution through co-habitation, single parenthood, same-sex marriage and incest.

Covetousness, greed, high-mindedness which has given rise to other crimes.

Disobedience to parents, unholy and unthankful generation, false alarmists.

Etc.

 

2. What is expected of the believer in times like these?  1 John 1:7; 2 Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 6:11-18

God, who knows the end from the beginning, has prescribed in the scriptures, some guidelines for Christians to follow in times like these.

First, each believer must be certain of his salvation in Christ.  This must be given utmost attention because it is the only way to lay hold on eternal life.  More than ever before, believers should devote themselves to the study of the word of God. In the scriptures, we have exact revelation of the present and future events and the guideline for becoming victorious.  The current dispensation calls for fervency in prayers.  This will help the believer in communion and cordial relationship with God.  It is a time to watch and pray; be vigilant and sober so as to be able to stand against the schemes of the enemy.

The last days require the believer to have compassion on souls that are being lured to hell.  A more concerted effort at personal and corporate evangelism as a divine task should be adopted by all believers.  This will keep the fire of salvation burning on the believer and will as well bring unbelievers to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It is a time for the believer to be fully equipped with the whole armor of God so that he can withstand the wiles of the devil.  The believer must be in full partnership and companionship of the Holy Ghost.  He must learn to function under the unction of the Spirit, be equipped with the gifts and manifest the fruit (character traits) of the Holy Spirit in times like these.

 

3. Why do we need to be alert in times like these? Romans 16:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-4

We are certain that Jesus Christ is coming back soon, but the exact time is unknown.  This calls for sobriety, watchfulness and focus so that we will be found ready at His appearing.  The believer should therefore be on the alert because the expected event has no definite timing.  In order not to be caught unaware, he needs to watch.  To guard against deceivers and false leaders who make merchandise of the gospel, he needs to be alert.  To avoid being tossed to and from by diverse winds of doctrine (which ultimately lead to destruction), he has to watch vigilantly.  Salvation is such an eternal pearl that must be guarded with all our instincts and resources until Jesus comes.

 

 

Daily Living Application:

Vivid world events and happenings in the church today are clear indications that we are in the last days.  These are the days preceding the coming of Christ, the judgment of God and the end of the era of grace.  They are days to usher us into our eternity.  What is therefore required of each believer is a closer walk with God, obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit and a straight focus on the person and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our adversary, the devil, has been defeated and sentenced.  He is out shopping for partners in hell fire.  So let us not give up or compromise our faith.  Our salvation in Christ is now nearer than ever before.  The Master is ready for the great return.

 

Memory Verse:

1 Thessalonians 5:4 – “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”