By Martin S. Loose 4-10-2021

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2nd Timothy 3

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes (Pronounced Jan Knees) and Jambres (Pronounced Jam Brees) opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

A Final Charge to Timothy

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2nd Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul.

 The apostle Paul writes these words while he was facing execution by Rome approximately around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter reflects many of the themes – Paul uses in his other letters.

How do we apply these scriptures to – our own lives; 

And 

How do they apply to the times – we are now living in;

Let’s start with 

3 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. (It is regarded that Paul isn’t necessarily speaking about “Thee LAST DAYS”, but more specifically ’”the church age,” the era of Christianity in the world – continuing through today.) HOWEVER, in our timeline – that we find ourselves in, it would certainly appear that – we are the generation living in a condescending movement – towards the fulfillment of – end days scriptures, amen…

Church – Listen – We have to be MINDFUL of the days that we are living in and aware that these times require – extra vigilance against violence, false doctrine and false teaching, unholy living, unholy habits and unholy people. Against a vast amount of distractions – that I believe are purposely placed directly in the pathways of believers, in order to distract… We need to be vigilant against anything that is going to consume more of us, instead of leading us more – towards Christ Jesus, amen… 

Let us faithfully ask GOD through prayer and humble request – for our “Inner circle” to be filled with sound, like minded and God fearing people who are surrendered to Christ Jesus as well, amen..

It is so important that we surround ourselves with others who worship and love Jesus Christ and who will shoulder with each other – to accomplish Kingdom work and encourage one another.

Let us stay true to GOD’S Holy Word, amen.. Staying strong and firm in our faith – Daily walking and Trusting in CHRIST JESUS and faithfully relying on the Truth of God’s Holy Word, amen…

Let us not be fearful of persecution for our faith, for we know that there has always been persecution for those – who are in the body of Christ. Although this has existed in many places throughout the world, it has certainly begun – now here – in our country as well… 

Matthew 10:22 And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved.  –  John 15:18-19  18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. 

As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

Listen Church – clearly 2nd Timothy 3  IS FOR A TIME SUCH AS THIS, as much as any other time in history. Every part of this scripture applies to the reality of the time that we are living in. 

The persecution and control garnered by Covid-19: has changed the way people interact with each other, and has led a fear component to be attached to people – no differently than the compliance of mask wearing. It would appear in one giant wave, the world has had thrust upon it,  changes in society normalcy, and many have  embraced this, without realizing or perhaps even caring – that this also is leading towards – the destruction of basic freedoms. GOD Has allowed this to occur for His perfect reasons. The enemy of our souls is using this as a way to Isolate, depress, cast fear, spread dissension and diabolically water down – the body of Christ – here on earth.

EVERY BELIEVER AND FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST – should be asking GOD to instill into their hearts – a sense of Conviction, Trust and Biblical direction – to navigate through these tense Covid-19 times.

What does the bible say for a time such as this;

2 Timothy 1:7   For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Philippians 4:13   I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (endure all things, good or bad – through Christ)

Joshua 1:9   9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 91:4, 4 He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (a protective barrier)

This world needs MORE LOVE   not less.            This fallen world needs to HEAR THE SAVING TRUTH OF JESUS CHRIST   Proclaimed BOLDLY and UNINHIBITED , amen!! Why would covering up and hiding ever facilitate an environment of Growth?   Onward Christian soldier… Suit up in your spiritual armor and walk in the knowledge that Greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world. 

Psalm 139:16   Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

• Nothing happens outside the will of God –

So we need to be walking in the will of God   and – what is the will of God – for a time such as this – 

I believe that as the church of JESUS CHRIST, each one of us, currently on assignment here on earth, we need to ~  

 Clear the clutter and get ready.

Our King is coming soon, let us walk in faith and live love – not fear – Let us reveal truth and not hide – as Bob dylan once said – “oh these times they are a changin”, but as our Lord and Savior Jesus has proclaimed – The times may change ~ BUT HE NEVER DOES… Nor does HIS MESSAGE OF SALVATION and VICTORY!   I am the same yesterday, today and forever, I am the way (the only way) the truth and the life, no one comes to the father except through Me… And – go and preach this message to the whole world – no exceptions, no addendum’s – no reservations covid or no covid – there’s work of eternal value that GOD Has commissioned us to be a part of – amen…

Let us go forth as the ambassadors of Christ Jesus that we are, rising above the enemy’s roadblocks and instead – walking in the Victory of Christ Jesus. Amen…  

– Let us pray – 

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