In today’s Bible study, we delve into a crucial topic for every believer – understanding the End Times. As we explore this subject, it’s important to remember that while we cannot cover every aspect of Bible prophecy in one session, our goal is to offer bite-sized, yet profound insights that resonate with our spiritual journey in these last days. Let’s dive into 2 Timothy 3, a chapter rich with revelation about the times we live in.
2 Timothy 3 (NIV):
Godlessness in the Last Days
1 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 and Jambres 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.
1. Distinguishing Between “End Times” and “Last Days”
Understanding the Context
- Biblical Covenants: It’s essential to recognize that Bible prophecy deals with two distinct covenants – God’s covenant with Israel (primarily addressed in the Old Testament) and His covenant with the Church (found in the New Testament).
- Two Timelines: We are currently living in the ‘Last Days’ of the Church Age, but the ‘Last Days’ for Israel are still in the future.
Scriptural Foundation
- Hebrews 1:1-2: This passage signifies the transition from the Old Testament prophetic period to the New Testament, marking the commencement of the Church Age, also known as the ‘Final Days.’
Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV: 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
- Daniel’s Vision (Daniel 9): The prophecy of the 70 weeks, with the 70th week (the tribulation) set to occur post-Rapture, highlights the ’prophetic pause’ – the Church Age.
Daniel’s Prayer (NIV)
1 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by descent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom— 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years. 3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed:
“Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.
7 “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. 8 We and our kings, our princes and our ancestors are covered with shame, Lord, because we have sinned against you.
9 The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; 10 we have not obeyed the Lord our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. 11 All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you.
“Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. 12 You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing on us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.
13 Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come on us, yet we have not sought the favor of the Lord our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. 14 The Lord did not hesitate to bring the disaster on us, for the Lord our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him.
15 “Now, Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. 16 Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our ancestors have made Jerusalem and your people an object of scorn to all those around us.
17 “Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 18 Give ear, our God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. 19 Lord, listen! Lord, forgive! Lord, hear and act! For your sake, my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.”
The Seventy ‘Sevens’
20 While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the Lord my God for his holy hill— 21 while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. 22 He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. 23 As soon as you began to pray, a word went out, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the word and understand the vision:
24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
25 “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.
26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.
27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
2. The Regathering of the Jewish People
Prophetic Fulfillment
- Jeremiah 30:3: This verse, along with Ezekiel 34, 37, and Zechariah 10, emphasizes the regathering of the Jewish people as a significant prophetic event.
Jeremiah 30:3 (NIV): “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when I will bring my people Israel and Judah back from captivity and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,” says the LORD.
- Historical Milestones: The nationhood of Israel in 1948 and the recognition of Jerusalem as its capital in 1967 and 2018 mark pivotal fulfillments of these prophecies.
The Super Sign
- The regathering is often termed the ‘super sign’ of Bible prophecy, indicating the nearness of the Messiah’s return.
- Ezekiel’s Vision: The vision of the dry bones (Ezekiel 37) metaphorically represents the stages of Israel’s restoration, affirming God’s unchanging promises.
3. The Great Falling Away from Faith
Apostasy in the Modern Church
- 2 Timothy 3:1-5: Paul’s words to Timothy about the moral decay and spiritual apostasy in the last days are glaringly evident today.
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NIV): 1 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.
- The Rise of Heresy: The proliferation of false teachings and the distortion of biblical truths in some modern denominations are alarming signs of these prophetic times.
Staying Grounded
- Hebrews 4:12-13: The Word of God is our ultimate guide and standard. Staying rooted in Scripture and prayer is key to navigating these challenging times.
Hebrews 4:12-13 (NIV): 12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Conclusion: Living Ready for the Lord’s Return
As we witness these prophetic unfoldings, our response should be one of readiness and faithfulness. The call to be alert and grounded in God’s Word has never been more pertinent. Remember, Bible prophecy is not meant to scare us, but to prepare us. Our assurance lies in the promises of God, which remain steadfast despite the tumultuous times.
Prayer of Commitment
Heavenly Father, in these End Times, guide us to live lives anchored in Your truth. Help us discern Your Word amidst the noise of this world. Strengthen our faith and keep us steadfast as we await Your return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This study aims to equip you with a deeper understanding of the End Times, anchoring you in the truth of God’s Word. As you reflect on these insights, let them guide your walk with Christ, ensuring that you are prepared and steadfast in your faith.
In His Service,
Guardians of Biblical Truth
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