Practical Advice for Perilous Times
(2 Timothy 3:1 - 5NKJV)
1. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3. unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4. traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5. having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
What are the marching orders for people who live in these difficult, perilous times when the courts are out of control, when the schools are out of control, when neighborhoods are out of control, when it seems as though even your home at times is living on the ragged edge? Tonight I would like to share with you four statements from the Scriptures.
1. Follow the model of the faithful.
What does it mean to follow the faithful? It means we watch their lives. It means we learn from their example. It means we listen to their instruction. We emulate their virtues. We admire their character. We remember what they endured. There’s something wonderful about having mentors and faithful heroes in the annals of history.
14. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them. (verse 14)
Don’t believe that because our times are hard there aren’t people worth following and models worth emulating. There’s something inspiring about someone going ahead of us—someone who walked the walk and lived the life. There are those who have faithfully lived before you and made it, and you can too. Follow the model of the faithful.
2. Stay with the tr ...