READ OR LISTEN TO PART 1 HERE!

In our last blog we started exploring what Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:1-5:

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof…

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Verse 2 began with “For men shall be” because the characteristics of people during the perilous times of the last days make it APPARENT what time it is. We already dug into the first 9 descriptions the Bible gives in this passage; now, let’s explore 9 more. Why? Not to condemn people or to give in to fear, but to understand the times, minister to those we encounter, and ensure we don’t conform to the world around us. This deep dive into scripture teaching is essential for Biblical literacy.

1. Trucebreakers 

Our downward progression continues with trucebreakers. These are people who make a deal, cut a covenant, or have a treaty with someone and simply break it. Their word means nothing, and their promises are empty. For those interested in Christian education, understanding this characteristic is vital for discerning the times.

For example, if someone loans others money, they always have a reason to break the truce. Some will even borrow money, promise to pay it back, and then go on vacation instead. This goes back to being lovers of self; for last days trucebreakers, it’s all about them and what “self” wants to do, rather than keeping their word or the Word of God.

2. False Accusers

“False accusers” in 2 Tim. 3:3 is very interesting because it’s from a Greek word, diabolos (S:1228), which is usually translated as devil. Like the devil, a false accuser is a slanderer. This term offers profound insight for anyone engaging in Biblical education.

They talk badly about people (usually with an attitude), accusing with little regard for truth, tearing down names and reputations. They’ll slander people, dragging their names through the mud, gossiping, repeating falsehoods, and harming them without a second thought. This highlights the importance of discerning the Christian word.

3. Incontinent

Incontinent means powerless or without power, speaking of someone without self-control. We hear of incontinence in modern times relative to the common medical concern where people have a physical challenge controlling their bladder. Such parallels can enhance Bible study resources.

Similarly, the incontinent the Bible describes lack temperance and self-control, so they are completely unrestrained. Rather than being moderate, restrained, or contained within the right limits, the incontinent do whatever they want, whenever they want, however they want, wherever they want, with whomever they want. Incontinent! This trait underscores the need for sound scripture teaching.

4. Fierce

Fierce comes from a Greek word defined as savage or not tame, which breaks down to not gentle. The fierce are not calm or self-controlled, but wild and hostile. Considering its commonality in our culture, this characteristic should be explored in the best Christian education programs.

This fierceness is evident in the violence, anger, and intensity of the times. In scripture reading, when you see the word fierce, it’s usually in conjunction with anger or wrath, which is consistent with the climate and conflict in the last days. Rather than having self-control, meekness, love, patience, or gentleness, many people in the last days (often wounded by the other negative behaviors of this time) are fierce.

5. Despisers of those that are good

In perilous times, men shall be despisers of those that are good. This means they are hostile to virtue and opposed to goodness. Whereas a bishop must be “a lover of good men” (Titus 1:7-8), this Greek word is literally the opposite. They’ll despise you for doing and being good. You do the right thing or hold to God’s Word of God, and people get mad!

Isaiah 5:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” You can definitely see this happening in the last days, emphasizing the importance of Biblical literacy.

6. Traitors

We use the word traitors a lot in modern times, but the Biblical definition is interesting to consider. It speaks of giving or surrendering another into the enemy’s hands. Understanding this term can be part of the best Bible resources for end-times study.

Traitors sell others out and turn them into an enemy. Where they once fought with and for someone, they’ll turn around and fight against them. That betrayal, though occurring throughout history (Judas is a prime example), is characteristic of men in the last times, and a logical part of the progression when people are selfish, unthankful, trucebreakers, false accusers, and fierce. This pattern is often discussed in Christian word studies.

7. Heady

Heady speaks of being rash, headlong, and off the cuff. The Greek word literally means “falling forwards” because their headstrong and reckless actions don’t end well. Rather than using wisdom and obeying the written Word of God, the heady do what pops into their head to do. This aspect of characters should be addressed in scripture teaching.

Their actions are not based on the Word of God, but on what they think. The heady do what seems right to themselves, neglecting the Biblical fact that “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death” (Prov. 14:12; cp. Prov. 16:25). Those who study the Bible online will find this a recurring theme.

8. Highminded

The highminded will probably remind you of the proud and boastful, which makes sense because pride is such a major problem during perilous times. The highminded are puffed up – inflated with self-conceit and lifted up with pride. This is a crucial area for Biblical education.

The highminded (like Satan in Isa. 14:13-14) think their way is better than God’s way, so they disregard God’s Word of God and disrespect God’s order. Their arrogance and elevated view of themselves cloud their judgment and cause them to step out of line. Exploring this is key for those who desire in-depth Bible study resources.

9. Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God

Finally, our list ends where it started: with the focus of our LOVE. Verse 2 began with “men shall be lovers of their own selves,” and verse 4 ended with “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” During perilous times, you see self-lovers and pleasure-lovers more than God-lovers. This contrast is a fundamental part of scripture reading for understanding the times.

The lovers of pleasure are more fond of pleasure than they are fond of God, so the target of their affection and attention is pleasure, lust, desire, and sensual delight. That desire supersedes God – His will, His Word of God, and His way – as what is most important to them and what shapes decisions and actions. This demonstrates why the best Christian education emphasizes God’s priorities.

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The last days are real and perilous times are here, but when we see people trending in this direction, remember: we can take hope in the fact that (1) God warned us in His Word of men being like this, and (2) when we are saved, we don’t have to live like or be like the world in this hour. Let’s learn, love, and LIVE His Word (2 Tim. 3:14-17) in the last days just like Jesus wants us to.

READ OR LISTEN TO PART 1 HERE!

Which characteristic of people in the last days most stands out to you? Which one do you see the most? Comment below and let us know! Then, continue studying in Just Word Academy today! Explore the Word of God concerning living in the last days & the events of the end times! Dig in with 5 classes & 12 interactive lessons including questions, cross-references, application to now, and more!

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Explore the Word of God concerning living in the last days & the events of the end times! Dig in with 5 classes & 12 interactive lessons including questions, cross-references, application to now, and more!

Click HERE for FREE worksheets to download or an expanded workbook we’ll send to you! You’ll love it! Access it in the Just Word Academy library here!