The Last Days: January 2007

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 7
The Bible mentions certain things which will characterize the last days. They describe a condition that will cause those days to be extremely difficult. Many of these things are characteristic of our own day and the Lord warns us of these things beforehand so that we will be prepared. When the Lord Jesus was here, He told His disciples what to expect so that they would not be offended or stumbled when it came to pass - see John 16:11These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. (John 16:1). There are important facts that the Lord would have us know and we should learn them.
Even in the Old Testament, Jacob wanted his sons to know what would happen to them “in the last days” (Genesis 49:11And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days. (Genesis 49:1)). In 2 Timothy 3:25 there are nineteen things listed which are not much different from Romans 1:29-3129Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (Romans 1:29‑31). What was found in Roman heathendom is quite similar to what will be found in the final condition of religion without God. Notice that the list in 2 Timothy begins with “lovers of their own selves” and ends with not “lovers of God.” Where are our affections placed? Next we read that men will be “covetous,” that is, they will love money, which is a root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:1010For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:10)) and leads to materialism. Do you think that “boasters” and “proud” is an accurate description of self-centered people around us today? Disobedience is very prevalent today, not only to parents, but to all authority. And “unthankful” - how often do you see people thank the Lord for their food or for anything else? These and many other sad traits show clearly that we are living in the last days.
1. When a man touched Daniel and set him upright, what did he say about the last end? Daniel 8:___
2. What has been revealed in the last time? 1 Peter 1:___
3. What will rich men do in “the last days”? James 5:___
4. By whom has God spoken to us in these last days? Hebrews 1:___
5. How can we know that it is the last time? 1 John 2:___