Perilous Times (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
29 March 2020
The current corona virus pandemic is a jolting reminder we live in perilous times (2 Tim.3:1).
The word perilous may also be translated stressful or difficult. In the Chinese Union Version of the Bible it is rendered as dangerous.
Paul, an old man, is writing to a young man, Timothy, and warns him that perilous times are here. Paul an old man nearing death speaks sense. Some old men speak nonsense; others speak not at all.
Listen to Paul for it is actually Jesus Christ speaking to us through him in the Bible.
Concerning perilous times consider the cause, certainty and duration of such times.
The root cause of perilous times is ungodliness. It is no coincidence that Paul writes that men will be lovers of themselves (1:2). He puts this first in the list of vices. Understandably so for this is the root of all the vices mentioned.
When people love themselves first, they do not love God first. They violate the first and greatest commandment. Self-love generates stress. God-love generates humility and compassion.
We can understand why Paul put all his energy in preaching the gospel for the gospel addresses ungodliness. Paul came to preach the gospel. He did not come to baptise but to preach the gospel. Paul struck at causes. Let others deal with symptoms.
Note secondly that perilous times will certainly come upon the human race. Paul is clear about this — "Perilous times will come.” Where ungodliness abides so abides stress. Since perilous times will certainly come there will not be a stress-free time on earth.
The world is not getting better. On the contrary as ungodliness increases so will stress. The more people love themselves the more dangerous the world will become.
How long will perilous times last? Paul writes throughout the last days which means from the birth of Jesus till his second coming. Stressful times will continue with us but not to the same degree. There are times when the stress is intensified such as our present situation with a worldwide viral crisis.
We note that seasonal intensity is true of the church's experience. The church has always been on earth continuing in its calling but there are seasons of intensity in its activities — a heightened awareness of Christ and divine things. This is revival.
Today we are in the midst of a crisis — the corona virus pandemic. What is our response to this peril?
First, pray for God's mercy that he would halt the spread of this virus. God is a God of mercy and at this time we need his mercy. We are out of our depth. We need God.
Secondly pray for the sufficiency of God's grace that we will cope. His enabling is available. Let us seek it and prove it.
Then, be active in proclaiming the gospel. The gospel strikes at the heart of ungodliness. It teaches that people are out of step with their creator. They need to come back to him and love him more than they love themselves.
Finally, heed the teaching of Christ. We live in stressful, perilous, dangerous days. Trust in him. He will be your refuge and strength.