The
apostle Paul did warn us to expect perilous times in the last days. There will
be spiritual decline and pretensions:
“But
know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be
lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers,
without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty,
lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but
denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
DECEPTION
First,
we should wise up by preparing ourselves against deception. Jesus warns that
deception will be a prominent feature during the end times (The Olivet
Discourse, Matthew 24).
Believers
have to be wise—in fact, extremely vigilant and discerning—if they want to
stand up against deception in these last days. Satan is like a roaring lion
seeking to devour the weak and unwary (1 Peter 5:8).
More
on deception: https://bit.ly/3bzwaM8
GIFTS
Peter
exhorts us to be alert and sober that we may pray, to love one another and
utilise whatever gifts or resources God has given us to glorify Him (1 Peter
4:7-11).
More
on stirring up the gifts: https://bit.ly/3bK3ct5
CALLING
Paul
instructs us to live circumspectly, make the most of every opportunity, seek to
understand God’s will for our lives and be filled with the Holy Spirit
(Ephesians 5:15-18).
Apart
from discovering our own unique calling, we need to focus on the Great
Commission. In order that the Gospel may reach every nation (Matthew 24:14), we
have to play our part, whether it’s to go, pray or give financial support to
those who go (Matthew 28:18-20).
More
on seeking God’s will: https://bit.ly/2wJE7zq
WATCHFUL
PRODUCTIVITY
The
parable of the ten virgins warns us to be numbered among the wise virgins who—ever
watchful of the bridegroom’s return—had oil in their lamps.
Watching
does not imply twiddling our thumbs as we gaze towards the heavens. It implies
a God-consciousness in our lives, not just doing our own thing.
The
ones who were eating and drinking, and marrying and giving in marriage in the
days of Noah (before the flood) had clearly excluded God in their lives. They
were swept away when the great deluge came. And Jesus warns us not to have that
same spirit of reckless abandon so that we won’t be caught off guard when He
returns.
Being
watchful is not quite easy to figure out. You might say, “Bills have to be
paid, food has to be laid on the table, children have to be educated. How can I
just watch?”
But
we’re told not only to watch but to occupy ourselves productively until He
returns— whether it is “serving Him in ministry” or engaging in whatever trade
we’re called to. Won’t there be two men working in the field when Christ
returns and one is taken, one is left (Matthew 24:40)? Why did Jesus paint such
a mundane picture of productive living—not “holy” work in church—just before
His return?
More
on how to “occupy ourselves”: https://bit.ly/3dzpijr
RELATED POSTS
SENSE
OF URGENCY
Paul
said that Jesus will come back like a thief in the night. But will believers be
taken by surprise when Jesus comes back again? No. His coming will only take
unbelievers by surprise.
Now,
brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for
you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the
night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on
them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But
you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise
you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We
do not belong to the night or to the darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5).
The
Bible does not tell us the exact date of Jesus' return. But believers close to
His heart will know the season of His imminent return through various signs He
has given us. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch
becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also,
when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates”
(Matthew 24:32-33).
One
of these signs which have to be fulfilled before Jesus returns is this: “And
this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony
to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14).
Someone
has said, “Live as if Christ can come any moment. Plan as if Christ will come
in a thousand years. For to God one day is as a thousand years.” No one can
accurately predict the future. We can only get a sense of the times and seasons
we’re living in. And these end times are indeed perilous and turbulent.
BEAUTIFUL BRIDESMAIDS
Revisiting
the Parable of the Ten Virgins: They all started out well, eagerly expecting
the bridegroom. How did the wedding ceremony end?
WHY FAITH NEEDS TO
PERSEVERE
Which
is a more accurate representation of a believer’s journey in life? Sit back and
relax till we attain eternal bliss OR press on and persevere till the end?
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