Week 50: Last Days
Weekly Reading:
Colossians 1 - Philemon 1
Opening Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for Your provision daily. I know that while we face the challenges of the last days if we keep our eyes on You and Your glory our confidence is in You and your provision. We cannot rely on our strength, but only on Your strength, Father. Open our eyes to Your message and open our hearts to Your word.
Amen
Study
Full disclosure: when I think of the last days, I sometimes feel anxiety for I know what God says about the last days. At the same time, I am joyful and excited that we will leave this home and go to our forever home. Any hardships and persecutions we see in the last days will be replaced by joy when we enter the gates to be with our father.
"I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true."
Revelation 21:3-5 NLT
But before that time we will see the worst of humanity
"You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days, there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! They are the kind who work their way into people's homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived."
2 Timothy 3:1-7, 12-13 NLT
We think we see this today, as we scroll through social media. But, the world will likely be worse in the end days as we are in the time of tribulation.
But there is hope. Just as Paul encourages his protégé, who he greatly loves, he encourages us.
"But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you."
2 Timothy 3:14 NLT
"Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."
2 Timothy 4:2 NLT
Paul further instructed Timothy to keep his mind clear (II Timothy 4:5) and the only way to do this is by remaining faithful to God, studying scripture, and spending time in prayer.
This is not a feel-good politically correct conversation. Paul makes it clear that these conversations are about our everlasting soul and what it takes to get there.
So stay strong in Christ who strengthens you, we know this world is not our home.
"For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13 NLT
Closing Prayer
Father God,
We know that this world is full of challenges and confusion. Some forces surround us to distract us from Your way. Give us the strength every day to remain in You and follow Your ways. We cannot do anything on our own, we must do it for You and through You. Thank You, Father, for Your provision.
Amen
Homework
How are you placing your hope in God?
What steps do you need to take to keep your eyes on God and His glory?
