THE COMING APOSTASY 

Text: 2 Tim 3:1-9 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,…7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 
 
Early in the creation of mankind, God notes His spirit shall not always strive with man for man’s thoughts are evil continually (Genesis 6:3-5). God knew man’s heart just after his formation.  True to His word, mankind has not changed. The anchor scripture underscores mankind’s action (although written thousands of years later).  
 
Paul’s epistle to his young convert Timothy volleys a warning directed towards Christians and not the world. For the world is already lost.  This is clear as Jesus notes in his last plea to His Father on the behalf of His disciples (John 17:3-26) to watch after them (not the world) while he was away.  
 
Christians, then, should be on alert for wicked people of this world who meet Paul’s edict. Although he never calls it the apostasy (the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief), the concept is very clear throughout his message.  Scripture reveals apostasy in Acts 21:21 and  2 Thessalonians 2:3.  
 
In this passage, God states the problem, its effects, a case study, and the remedy to avoid or rise out of a terrible situation.  To underscore his point, Paul states God’s handiwork in the message: “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 
 
Case Study: ₁Jannes and Jambres Withstands Moses Paul uses these two magicians to make a point. Evil people exist today as they did in old times.  
 
Of course, the Bible is full of remedies to aid in Christians seeking help. Jeremiah 8:22 notes “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there”? God places His preachers where those who seek truth can be found.  As Phillip was called into action to quench the Ethiopian’s thirst for scripture (ultimately leading to his baptism in Christ - Acts 8:27), so are God’s agents ready to leap in to help those seeking a closer walk with God for safety, protection, and ultimately everlasting life. God’s providential care is set for those “Wisemen who still seek Him” (Matthew 2:1-12). 
 
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES 
 
Matthew 5  How should one conduct themselves in the sight of God? 
 
Isa 6:5-8    Cursing (swearing) Matthew 5:34    Swear not at all   Micah 6:8    Self-esteem    
 
Psalms 91:1    Trust 
 
Isa 42:8    Belief in God Job 38, 39, 40 Exodus 20:1:17 
 
Malachi 2    Money 1 Tim 6:10 Eccle 10:19 
 
Acts 6:19    Drugs 
 
1Cor 7:25    Sex James 4:1-10 
 
 
Romans 3:9-20 The world; guilty before God Romans 3:21-31  Faith: means of salvation Hebrews 11:1  what is Faith? Romans 10:17  How does one obtain faith? Hab. 2:4  Now the Just shall live by faith. 
 
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Bishop George Lockhart is the Pastor of the Lake Park Mission located at 2620 N Australian Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33407    The Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth, Inc. Bishop Meharry H. Lewis, PhD, Chief Overseer Tuskegee, AL www.clgpgt.com Bishop  Luke D. Lewis, District Bishop Riviera Beach, FL  
 
 
Reference

₁GotQuestions.org. (2018, February 21). Who were Jannes and Jambres? Retrieved October 14, 2018, from https://www.gotquestions.org/Jannes-and-Jambres.html