“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: Vs. 1
For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parent, unthankful, unholy, Vs. 2
unloving, unforgiving, slanders, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, Vs. 3
traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, Vs. 4
having a form of godliness but denying its power…”  Vs. 5
 
2 Timothy 3:1-5 could be the front page, above the fold, article in any newspaper today!  And, not only in our country, but throughout the world.
And Paul wrote this in his second letter to Timothy while imprisoned in Rome in 67 AD.
 
Paul goes on to say in chapter 4:3-4 of this letter,
“For the time will come when men  will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
 
‘For men will be lovers of themselves…’  this ‘self focus, me first’ self righteousness tops the list of the unrighteousness that is so blatant in the world today. 
 
Of this, Scripture tells us:
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
But he who heeds counsel is wise.
A fool’s wrath is known at once,
But a prudent man covers shame.”  Proverbs 12:15-16
 
Proverbs 20:6,
“Most men will proclaim each his own goodness,
But who can find a faithful man?”  
 
“There  is a generation that is pure in its own eyes,
Yet is not washed from its filthiness.”  Proverbs 30:12
(Also read Vs. 13-14)
 
Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:12 tells us,
“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves.  But they, measuring themselves among themselves, are not wise.”
 
Jesus warning the church of Laodicea,
“So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of My mouth.  You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing’.  But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
 
Scripture says so very much more concerning those described in our opening verses, but what should the attitude of the Believer be in this time in history?  Scripture has much to say of this as well.  Consider these few.
 
Read Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus is giving the parable of the ten virgins.
We are to be alert watchmen:
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.”  Vs. 13
 
Paul tells us in Romans 13:12-14,
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand.  Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.  
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in licentiousness and lewdness, not in strife and envy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.”  
 
Speaking of a new heavens and a new earth Peter tells us,
“Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”  2 Peter 3:14
 
Jesus command to the disciples just before He ascended into heaven still holds true for Believers today,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen”  Matthew 28:19-20
 
I close with 1 Peter 3:15,
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect.”  
 
Thank you gracious Lord for Your warnings and Your directions.  As things grow more chaotic we seek to do those good works that You have planned for each one of us in eternity past.  Be glorified we humbly pray.  Amen