Daily Nugget:
Paul warned that in the last days, sin would be rampant in churches. The preacher listed 19 different iniquities (II Timothy 3:2-5) that would be out of control.
Individuals have always committed those iniquities throughout history. In the last days, however, the commission of these sins will change civilization, and they will be committed without guilt or restraint. Although no man knows when the Lord will return for His church, one must admit that the prominence and rampant involvement of the sins listed in this chapter describe today’s spiritual condition too well.
One particular sin has done so much damage to the cause of Christ and Christian living. It may look Christian; it may even use religious and Christian vocabulary. Perhaps this iniquity may involve many doing biblically correct things, but it is still deceptive and dangerous. It is watered-down, liberal Christianity. It is a “… form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…” (II Timothy 3:5), and it is doing so much havoc in the world today.
Most want to please God and believe He is real. Many look for Him in a church. They attend the ministry’s services, but instead of hearing or seeing the true Word of God preached and practiced, they hear partial truths and a lot of humanistic, unbiblical teaching. Because so many do not search and study the Scriptures for themselves, they soak up and believe lies.
Sadly, so many will die and open their eyes in the dark, tormenting Hell, only to find out that they were led astray by false teachers, preachers, and their lies. That is why Paul said to avoid any church or ministry that contradicts what the Word of God teaches (II Timothy 3:5).
However, as dangerous as weakened Christianity is, unless people find the truth in the Word of God for themselves, they will never see the lies to which they may have been exposed. To make matters worse, even the Word of God has been tampered with by those who are deceiving those searching for the truth.
Words have been added and removed from the Bible. If a modern translation (any other than the KJV version for English-speaking people) is read, they are still only getting a “… form of godliness.”
Seminaries that once trained church leaders and did much for the cause of Christ have strayed far from biblical teaching and practice. Denominations have replaced the Word of God with their writings or changed a “bible” to teach what they believe.
Many churches have embraced people of all religions into their fellowship, calling themselves non-denominational, or have moved far from where they once stood spiritually. Some organizations have cropped up, discarded any biblical references, and created their own philosophies and religions.
As the time for the Lord’s return approaches, finding churches that teach the truth is becoming more difficult. However, we cannot blame them alone for their errors. Most of the time, they have been allowed to stray from biblical teachings because few knew the Bible’s truths, and fewer opposed what was taught from those pulpits.
Because of the infestation of unbiblical teachings, it is essential, as II Timothy 2:15 urges, to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” If more delved into the Scriptures for themselves, there would be fewer watered-down, false teachings from pulpits that go unchallenged.
Today’s Thought:
“A little arsenic in a glass of drinking water will poison the drinker. A little false teaching can weaken and ruin a Christian.” — Author Unknown
Words to Understand:
Incontinent: little self-control; lacking restraint
Reprobate: rejecting previous beliefs
Today’s Reading:
II Timothy 3
1 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,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 ¶ But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
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, throughly furnished unto all good works.
