Looking through the eyes of Perilous times with 20-20 vision
Introductions: When Jesus prays for the disciples in John chapter 17, He said they had been given thy Word, and ask the Father to Sanctify them, through thy truth: thy Word is truth. Jesus continues in John 17:18, “As Thou sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.”
My Pray for you today is Sanctification by the Truths we find in God’s Word. John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
In 2nd Timothy, the Apostle Paul approaches the end of his life; and he finishes well the call of God upon his life. Paul turns his eyes to a young man named Timotheus or Timothy, who was saved and discipled under Paul’s ministry. Timothy will soon be left to preach the Gospel; reach the lost, and in these four chapters of 2 Timothy, Paul gives Timothy some words of comfort and caution, along with some words of inspiration and instruction. Through the eyes of Apostle Paul’s, as he is focused on instruction, we find the words “This know…” in 2 Timothy 3:1 Paul reminded Timothy, that he must understand this; in other words; get ready for what I’m about to tell you Timothy. Paul goes on in the same verse and uses the word, “perilous…” meaning; unexpected Dangerous.
In 2 Timothy 3:2-7 Paul presents a picture and outlines the events that will most certainly guarantee perilous times! To me, this reads somewhat like today’s News Paper headlines; giving reference to the moral failure of a Nation. As we look through the eyes of political failures, domestic failure and even Religious Apostasy; Paul reminds us of the dangers; that will come during perilous times. Today we could look back to a period of time during World War II, and read about the rationing of food, fuel and basic essential items, however, Americans were allowed to attend Church! Congregations across our Nation looked to God in pray for a great victory; Christian looked to Jesus, and stood up on the Truths of the Bible! From now till then; I cannot find anywhere in history, that even resembles the place in time; we are experiencing this year 2020. Giving thanks to God for the ability to use Live Streaming social media platforms, to minister and stay connect.
In these four chapter of 2 Timothy we find some very Powerful Truth’s that will help us in our walk with God, during Perilous Times.
Even during perilous times; God is still Great, God is still Faithful; He’s still True; The Bible is still the Word of God; Jesus is not in His last days; the power of the Holy Spirit is not in His last days and the Truth is; Jesus said in Matthew 16:18 “…upon this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”
The 1st Truth, Paul looks to is the Truth of:
(1) Assurance of Salvation (firm persuasion; full confidence or trust; the utmost certainty) 2 Timothy 1:12 “… I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed…”
Do you know —who you have believed? Do you know the Word you have believed, and the blessing and power with whom you have believed? When we placed our trust in the Person of Jesus Christ; we have assurance and know He is able to keep our Soul that we have committed unto Him until that day.
In the midst of uncertain time; we can be certain that our Hope is in the Blood of Jesus Christ; our name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life; we are going to Heaven, and we have assurance of Salvation. That’s the first Truth!
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long;
The 2nd Truth Paul looks to is:
(2) Access to God’s strength 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
True strength within the Grace of God. The song writer rejoices with these words; My hope is built on notheing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name, Oh Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand…
God has already walked the path we are on today, and His grace is sufficient; ‘Tis Grace that Brought Me Safe Thus Far…”
1 Corinthians 15:10 “…by the Grace of God…”
God’s Grace is saving Grace; it’s keeping Grace; it’s Powerful Grace; it’s Real Grace; sufficient Grace; eternal Grace and sustaining Grace; from Genesis chapter 6: when Noah found Grace in the eyes of the Lord, to Revelation chapter 22, John writes, “…the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all…” even when Paul’s in prisoner on Patmos because of preaching about Jesus; Grace abides with him!
The 3rd Truth Paul looks to is:
(3) Authority in the Scripture 2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable
3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”
The Living Word of God contains the authority to unleash the Power of God while working in the lives of people, and there’s nothing on earth that can stop that!
Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Psalm 81:16 The Word of God is like honey out of the rock.
Psalm 119: 11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
Psalm 119:89 “…For ever, O LORD, thy Word is settled in heaven.”
Psalm 119:105 “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
During times like these, in a world that’s looking for answers — God’s people has the answer, within the Word of God. The Bible is full of Truths, especially during perilous times. Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
The 4th Truth Paul look to is:
(4) Awaiting the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ 2 Timothy 4:8 “…unto all them also that love His appearing.”
Paul anticipates the return of Christ:
He speaks like a sacrifice 2 Timothy 4:6
He speaks like a Sailor 2 Timothy 4:6 “…the time of my departure is at hand.”
He speaks like a Soldier 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, …”
He speaks like a Sprinter 2 Timothy 4:7 “…I have finished my course…”
He speaks like a Saint 2 Timothy 4:7 “…I have kept the Faith:”
Now; because of these Paul says, Hencforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
We who look forward to that day when Jesus Christ will returns:
We who have read about Jesus, when He came as a baby in a manger; while some saw Him as a Savior; He’s more…
We have read about Jesus when He walked beside the Sea of Galilee, and some saw Him as a stranger, but He was more…
When Jesus healed the sick, some saw Him as a great Physician, but He was more…
When Jesus preached the sermon on the Mount, people looked at Him as a great teacher, and He was a great teacher, but He was more…
With a Cross on His back, Jesus traveled down the narrow streets of old Jerusalem, while some saw Him as a Sacrifice, and He was, but He was more…
Even on Resurrection Day, when Jesus walked out of that tomb; we know Him as a risen Savior, and He is more…
Paul anticipates the return of Christ:
On that Day, when Jesus Christ steps out on the Fullness of His Full Glory; Full Manifestation.
Jesus Christ is the King of King and the Lord of all Lord’s; He’s almighty God of eternity past and eternity future; He’s the One all of Heaven will bow and say all Hail the Power of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown Him Lord of all!
Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father, and nothing stopped Him from coming the first time, and nothing will stop Him from coming the second time!
The Bible says: Jesus is coming; “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,…”
1 Corinthians 15:52 The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 “…I would not have you to be ignorant, breather, concerning them which are asleep, …..”
Acts 1: 11 “…why stand ye gazing up into heaven?” Jesus is coming again
John 14: “Let not your heart be troubled….” Jesus said He will come again
Written by A.D. Newton