In the last days, that is, end times, the apostle Paul warns us how people will change for the worse. A characteristic of such people is, they “will be lovers of themselves.” They are people who think themselves godly and Christian. The fact is: they have “a form of godliness but [are] denying its power.” Paul lists down some behaviours of such people. I urge you, as you read this article, to check yourselves against this list and descriptions. Unless you make a conscious effort to guard yourselves, you can be quite sure, you will be one of them because the influence of the world is overwhelming.

This series of articles is written by Peter Masters and is taken from the website https://metropolitantabernacle.org/articles/the-cancer-in-all-human-relationships/.

Perilous times

Following the evils of self-love, the apostle lists ten more evils, all of which are about relationships between people. A prominent feature of any perilous time is that of relationship wickedness. Once people choose to despise the authority of Almighty God, they soon despise all authority outside themselves, and renounce all obligation, duty or debt to others if it conflicts with their own interests and lusts. (This is the core spirit of postmodernism.)

It is not surprising that periods of intense atheism should produce such behaviour. If the first five evil traits listed in Paul’s prophecy are aspects of self-love, then the next ten traits are the inevitable consequence. Nor is it surprising that evangelism is so difficult. How hard it is to touch people with the tender themes of the Gospel when they become as hard as the picture given here.

It is important to remember that this list also points to sins which we should mention in our evangelism. It is not enough for a preacher to limit his ‘sin list’ to drink, drugs and fornication, when the Bible mentions so many evils, both in this passage and elsewhere.

Despising of parents

The relationship evils begin with the term ‘disobedient to parents’. Paul speaks here of the coming of times in which people will have no respect for those who properly possess seniority, whether literal parents, social or professional leaders, or any other legitimate holders of office or authority. In perilous times people feel no obligation to respect or obey anyone, recognising only their own self-determination. Is this not exactly the spirit of this age?

Churches are in very grave danger when their members begin to copy this attitude from the world, losing all regard for God’s order in the church. However, it is happening everywhere that Christians reject counsel, guidance and the approval of their church in order to do whatever they like. Once again, the website scene provides many examples of self-opinionated ‘preachers’ and guides who have never been recognised, appointed or spiritually supported by their congregation (nor would be in so many cases).

… to be continued