August 09, 2026

BUILT TO LAST: THE SKY MIGHT BE FALLING… BUT GOD!

August 09, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today we finish the second letter of Paul to Timothy, as Paul mentally prepares for his death. He goes to the depths of his emotions to give his young son-in-the-faith—and, by extension, all believers through the centuries—final pertinent instructions. In chapters three and four, he turns to the days that will face Christians from that time forward. His list of nineteen verbs seems to describe today’s world more clearly with each passing day. He includes the characteristics believers need in their lives to be wise for salvation through faith. Study these chapters carefully, for they will give you the courage to live through future days with strength and wisdom.

Focal Passages: 2 Timothy 3 and 4.

The Sky is Falling:

  • Read 2 Tim. 3:1-7. Paul opens chapter three with a gripping statement; what ‘days’ is he referring to? What describes people’s behavior in those days? For people who have lived many decades, when do you think life began to go from safe and good to unsafe and evil?
  • Paul gives a long list of the behavior patterns of people as perilous times draw near. Some of these nineteen verbs are obvious, while others carry a much broader meaning. Why is the love of money a fearful behavior? Why has pride always been an issue? What can disregard for the authority of a parent lead to?
  • What might a lack of self-control bring about in family relationships? What do traitors do? These will be covered in the Close, but think carefully on each one.
  • What are you to do as you interact with people who exhibit these traits? Are any of your friends showing signs of any of these actions? Is there a justifiable reason for you to continue your friendship with any people who do these things, when you have been warned to stay away from them? What classification of people does Paul liken these to?
  • What three general categories do these behaviors exist in? What is materialism? Is it rampant today? What is a narcissist? Can you think of any in the news? What is someone who is hedonistic? Do you know anyone who is like that? Are they usually in church on Sundays? Why not?

But it’s all good:

  • Read 2 Tim. 3:10-15. Is Paul afraid some might think there’s no hope? What can believers do as they see days like this? What is discouraging about verse 12? However, if you don’t know that trials and tragedies will come, how can Satan use that against you?
  • What positive qualities does Paul list first, that Timothy and others have seen? Though he lists only general harm here, i.e., persecutions and afflictions, read 2 Cor. 11:24-28. Why did Paul endure so much persecution?
  • Today, in many parts of the world, Christians are suffering persecution for their faith in a way which we in America have never experienced. Why would these people consider their torture to be a ‘badge of honor’ to suffer for the Lord Jesus?
  • Read vs. 13 again. Will the end times start getting better? What would you say about the view that life will get better and better here on earth? Do you see this happening, even despite the advancements in technology, medicine, or social structures? What is happening at the same time?
  • Paul said believers must live much differently from the world. What does he say we should do? What is the only thing that will give Christians what is needed to make it? Why did he say this?
  • Read verse 16. When we say Scripture is ‘inspired by God,’ what do we mean? Did God give you everything you need to know in this one book? Read 2 Pet. 1:2-3. Do you believe this? Has it been true in your life? How does the Bible help you?

Be faithful:

  • Read 2 Tim. 4:1-5. Verse 2 is Paul’s marching orders to Timothy—and to people of all ages. What was he to do? In verse 5, what instructions does he add?
  • In those perilous times, what will people shun? If they go to church, what will they want to hear? What will they completely disregard?

Because God is faithful:

  • Read vv. 6-8. These are Paul’s last words as he finishes this letter. Will these words be an encouragement to any believer who suffers for Christ?
  • Read vv. 16-18. As Paul closes this letter, what does he see? Read Acts 9:17. What had happened when Paul was originally saved? Do you think it is appropriate that Paul saw the risen Christ when he was called, and felt the Lord standing by him when it was nearly time for his death? Is it any wonder that Paul was praising Jesus?

Close:

In the opening verses of Chapter 3, Paul listed the behaviors of people who will be living in the ‘last days.’ The characteristics are undoubtedly things seen every day. Some, however, have a ripple effect that is much stronger than what we read in English. As we see, people will ‘love themselves.’ For quite some time now, today is referred to as the ‘ME Generation.’ ‘It’s all about ME. What I want, like, do, etc. Let ME be first.’ What about GOD first at that time? They will be lovers of money. Remember, Titus 6:10 says it is the ‘love of money’ (not money itself) that is a root of all evil. Loving money can lead you far from the path you may originally planned to be on. A lack of self-control is the opposite of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is self-control that keeps humans from killing for an unkind word, maiming in anger, or abusing in any form. If you start on that behavior, it will take you to dark places. Disobedience to the authority of your parents is the first step in defying authority as you age. First, it is your parents, then your teachers, the state, and the country—and anyone in authority. Another dark place. Are you unforgiving? That is a canker sore that spreads, finally giving Satan a foothold into your life. Think of what a person who despises anything good is like. Whatever you might love or admire—a scene, a river, a comment, a song—they will hate it and grind it in the dirt. Look at this list, and then ask yourself if any of these are in you or in your friends. Run to Jesus if any are in you, and if your friends are like this, find new ones. God will supply new friends!

Sandy Day

August 09, 2026

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