Authenticity in the Last Days

VERSE

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 

2 Timothy 3:1-7 ESV

INTRO / DISCUSSION

October is an interesting month, usually it’s thought of as the month where adults and children will dress up, ask for candy and celebrate the fact that we can “become someone else.“ Paul warns Timothy of people that live an October-like lifestyle, not found in the neighborhoods asking for candy, but in the church.

As Christians we have to be authentic in our walk with Christ, in and out of the church and it all starts in our foundation. We have to ensure that our testimonies are intact, keeping in mind everything that God has set us free from. We must stay away from those that appear to be godly but secretly deny God’s power.

How can we tell there are ungodly people? Jesus Christ said it best.

43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Luke 6:43-45

Be observant, be astute.

Our work in the kingdom isn’t validated in the way the world does. We’re called to follow God no matter what the circumstance.

Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.

2 Corinthians 6:4-10 MSG

In times like these we have to be authentic, we cannot allow anything to taint the gospel that has saved us. The harvest is plentiful and the laborers are few.

PRAYER

Salvation Prayer.

Challenge: Discuss with a trusted leader or a friend your current standing with God. Good or bad, tell someone and pray with them.