For The Time Will Come, For The Time Is Here

For the time will come. 

Now the time is here. 

[3] For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; [4] And they shall turn away their ears from the TRUTH , and shall be turned unto FABLES.

The day has arrived when FALSE teachers appeal to people with ITCHING EARS who listen for mere gratification, salving the conscience. 

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

2 Timothy 4:5 KJV

2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV

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. 

"The last days" refers to the time since the first coming of the Lord Jesus. "Perilous times" are dangerous (Grievous difficult) times.

"Incontinent "means without self-control. The list of last-day conditions are summarized in this one word

Being lovers of pleasure points to a self-first attitude.

2 Timothy 3:6-7 KJV

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.

The Greek word used here for "women" is a contemptuous term

2 Timothy 3:8-9 KJV

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.

See

Exodus 7:11-12 KJV

Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. [12] For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

What men dislike, because it opposes their pride and lusts, they will not be convinced of; but it is easy to cause them to believe things they wish to be true. God always sends with his word full proofs of its Divine authority; but when men are bent to disobey, and willing to object, he often permits a snare to be laid wherein they are entangled. The magicians were CHEATS , trying to COPY the REAL miracles of Moses by secret sleights or jugglings, which to a small extent they succeeded in doing, so as to DECEIVE the bystanders, but they were at length obliged to confess they could not any longer imitate the effects of DIVINE POWER. None assist more in the destruction of sinners, than such as resist the TRUTH by amusing men with a COUNTERFEIT resemblance of it. Satan is most to be dreaded when transformed into an angel of light.

2 Timothy 3:10-13 KJV

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. 

Paul deteriorated his own faithfulness to God's call, pointing out that life will be filled with challenges for God's people.

Neither do thou expect that the times should mend, for men that are given up to their lusts and such as go about to DECEIVE others, will grow worse and worse, as the world groweth older, both in their endeavours to DECEIVE , and in their malice and hatred to THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEM. 

Deceiving, and being deceived; deceiving others, and being left by the just judgment of God to deceive and ruin their own souls

2 Timothy 3:14 KJV

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them ;

To "continue" means to remain.

2 Timothy 3:15 KJV

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.

Scripture is the sole source by which one finds the path to Salvation.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Without hesitation, Paul called the charlatans what they were: "FALSE APOSTLES" "transforming themselves" means to change the form of or disguise oneself in this way, the false Apostles posed as is emissaries from God, when in fact, they were MESSENGERS OF SATAN masquerading as righteous ministers.

This is an important understanding concerning satan. He disguises himself as an angel of light, when in fact he is spiritual Darkness personified. 

2 Corinthians 12:7 KJV

And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

What follows is one of Paul's oft-discussed writings. Lest he falls to self-exaltation, Paul admitted to the constant reminder of weakness in the form of a God-given "thorn." Explanations of this thorn range from incessant temptation to tireless opposition, chronic sickness (such as ophthalamia malaria, migraine headaches and epilepsy), to a speech impediment. It was clearly something that caused Paul no small amount of suffering and anxiety. 

2 Corinthians 12:8 KJV

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

The personal level of chagrin was seen and repeated petitions to God for removal of this thorn. Paul learned the difficult but revelatory truth: God's power and ability is most extravagantly exhibited against the backdrop of human weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV

And he said unto me, MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THEE: FOR MY STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul instructed that, at times, rather than removing the thorn, God will grant grace to endure it. This grace is "sufficient", meaning to be enough, sufficient, or adequate to keep one through trials.

2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

This discussion has brought many Believers Solace through personal trials.

12:7-10 The apostle gives an account of the method God took to keep him humble, and to prevent his being lifted up above measure, on account of the visions and revelations he had. We are not told what this thorn in the flesh was, whether some great trouble, or some great temptation. But God often brings this good out of evil, that the reproaches of our enemies help to hide pride from us. If God loves us, He will keep us from being exalted above measure; and spiritual burdens are ordered to cure spiritual pride. This thorn in the flesh is said to be a messenger of Satan which he sent for evil; but God designed it, and overruled it for good. Prayer is a salve for every sore, a remedy for every malady; and when we are afflicted with thorns in the flesh, we should give ourselves to prayer. If an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we are to continue praying. Troubles are sent to teach us to pray; and are continued, to teach us to continue instant in prayer. Though God accepts the prayer of faith, yet He does not always give what is asked for: as He sometimes grants in wrath, so He sometimes denies in love. When God does not take away our troubles and temptations, yet, if He gives grace enough for us, we have no reason to complain. Grace signifies the good-will of God towards us, and that is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort in all afflictions and distresses. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Thus his grace is manifested and magnified. When we are weak in ourselves, then we are strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; when we feel that we are weak in ourselves, then we go to Christ, receive strength from him, and enjoy most the supplies of Divine strength and grace.

Matthew 20:16 KJV

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.

Luke 21:36 KJV

Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Jesus urged his disciples to be sleepless, always praying and order that they would be strong or gain the ascendancy to escape out of all the coming events of destruction. This did happen for believers who escaped the first century destruction, and it was the precursor for what Jesus spoke more fully concerning the future Wrath of the days of the lord. 

We are living in the last days. 

Stay prayed up, 

Sis Jenn Maddox