(2Ti 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,…”  To blaspheme God is not simply to curse Him. It is to doubt Him, His existence, His goodness, His faithfulness, His truth revealed; it is to make Him someone of which He is not – a god of the imagination rather than that which agrees with the revelation of Himself. Have you blasphemed Him?

 (2Ti 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,…” Pride comes from a distorted view of self before God. God hates it. It is so prevalent in man that we use the word in speech as if it is a good and right thing. It is never used as such in Scripture. It certainly goes against “esteem other better than themselves.” (Phil 2:3).

(2Ti 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters,…”  A boaster has a need for others to think well of him. This action reveals his heart is fixed on the wrong venue. It is God of Whom we should seek approval, not man. Let man praise man; let God’s people praise Him and Him alone, seeking no praise for self.

 (2Ti 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous,….”  “Covetous”: the desire for another “thing” we do not have. Believers today have turned a deaf ear to Jesus’ Words, “….for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt 6:21). We love this life and fight to stay in it as was once said to me, “I am ready to go but in no hurry to get there.” 

(2Ti 3:1)  “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2)  For men shall be lovers of their own selves,…” Sadly, the evidence of this being the Last Days is even seen among God’s people. We love ourselves so much that we come before faithfulness to the Lord. Many appear for morning services, but few for the other services. Why? They love self more than they are devoted to Him. Will your excuse “hold water” when given to Jesus some day?

(2Ti 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2)  For men shall be…..” followed by a list of man’s inner corrupt thoughts that lead to action. Note that the it is the Believer that will be in peril. The more the contrast of our light (righteous words and acts) to those of darkness (the things listed), the more darkness will strike out at light (Jn 3:20; 15:19). Just think of the reward of faith and stand strong!

 (2Ti 3:1) “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”  We are in these times. They are perilous physically as far as safety is concerned. They are perilous on the world scale as nation is beginning to rise against nation. And in this nation we are moving rapidly towards another civil war as politicians seek to exalt some above others. But friend, the true peril are the souls of those who put the flesh and now over the spirit and eternity. Where do you stand? Which is your focus?

(2Ti 2:26)  “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”The devil is just as real as you are! He rules in the hearts of each unsaved person, urging them to follow the desires of their heart, to put what they think over what God has said. You know you in reality follow the world, if you still put yourself before following the steps of Jesus Christ. In what way have you taken up the cross as commanded by Jesus?

(2Ti 2:26)  “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”This verse is speaking of the unsaved. Notice the difference in the following: (1Pe 5:8) “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”  When the saved do not seek to  “….purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use,…. (2 Tim 2:21), he is giving Satan permission to influence. The lost can only be delievered through repentance of sin, asking forgiveness and by faith praying the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for their salvation.  

(2Ti 2:26)  “And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” Satan snares the souls of men through lies. He works upon their pride. Once a person embraces an idea, they will hold to it all the way to hell rather than seek to know the truth and say they are wrong. There are exceptions, this verse speaking to that. So…..humbly give them the truth.