October 29, 2006
"The Rise of Wickedness and Falsehood"
God is Not Slow in Keeping His Promise—Part 5
Selected verses
The Rise of Falsehood
What are the specific prophesies being fulfilled today about Falsehood showing that we are in the last days?
1. The Rise of False Christs
Later, Jesus sat on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. His disciples came to him privately and asked, "When will all this take place? And will there be any sign ahead of time to signal your return and the end of the world?" Jesus told them, "Don't let anyone mislead you. For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Messiah.' They will lead many astray."
—Matthew 24:3-5
2. The Rise of False Teachers
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from what we believe; they will follow lying spirits and teachings that come from demons. These teachers are hypocrites and liars. They pretend to be religious, but their consciences are dead.
—1 Timothy 4:1-2
But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach their destructive heresies about God and even turn against their Master who bought them. Theirs will be a swift and terrible end. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of them, Christ and his true way will be slandered.
—2 Peter 2:1-2
The Rise of Wickedness
What are the specific prophesies being fulfilled today about Wickedness showing that we are in the last days?
The Rise of Selfish, Self-love
You should also 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 have no interest in what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
—2 Timothy 3:1-4
Reasons for the Rise of Selfish, Self-love:
1. Wrong World-View
"You won't die!" the serpent hissed. "God knows that your eyes will be opened when you eat it. You will become just like God, knowing everything, both good and evil."
—Genesis 3:4-5
2. Inward Worship
He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live to please themselves. Instead, they will live to please Christ, who died and was raised for them.
—2 Corinthians 5:15
The thorny ground represents those who hear and accept the Good News, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares of this life and the lure of wealth, so no crop is produced.
—Matthew 13:22
If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.
—Matthew 16:25
Jesus replied, "You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind."
—Matthew 22:37
3. World Worship
And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?
—Matthew 16:26
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.
—Romans 12:2
Don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you can't be a friend of God.
—James 4:4