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Paul taught Timothy some powerful signs of the end of the age. He pronounced them to be perilous, spiritually hazardous and draining of spiritual stamina and strength. The word picture which he paints is recorded In 2 Tim. 3:1-5 Each and every situation written here is an activity of the ungodly and is increasing by leaps and bounds. The life and attitudes of mankind are well documented. One has but to read the newspaper or watch the news to know that we have indeed arrived and that the bulk of humanity conducting themselves according to the prophecy.
Having alerted us to the sordid nature which is to be displayed in the end of the age, he also appealed to the church to turn away from such practices and in some cases, even the individual who is involved such an uncouth manner of life. 2 Tim. 3:5 The church, while it is to be in the world, is not to be a partaker of the worlds attitudes and style of life. The demands of living the Christian life may seem, at times, to have serious requirements of holiness but when practiced they bring forth the joy and blessing of the Lord. Paul encouraged righteous living of every fashion. He advocated that certain individuals be avoided, that there be no fellowship with them. A judgment which does seem severe until we consider the effect which these persons had on the body of Christ. They are men who resist the truth, causing division and bringing in teachings which are offensive and contrary to that which had been taught. They are self centered and self serving. Individuals who are well practiced in the psychology and usage of words which are used to appease and deceive those who associate with them. Rom. 16:17-18 These are to be marked, to be noted and avoided.
Our thought of the day is the sanctification and cleansing of the last day church. The presence of the Holy Spirit has a tremendous purifying effect on the church. We have an example of those who lied to the Holy Spirit and to the leadership of the church at Jerusalem. A couple named, Ananias and Sapphira were judged by a judgment of death because of their doings. Mind you, they could have given any portion of the price of the land sold, had they just properly declared it to be but a part and not the whole price. The amount of money was not the issue, the lie to the Holy Spirit was that which was their problem. Acts 5:1-10 Beneficial results were received by the action of the Spirit of the Lord. The church benefited because the need for righteousness in all things was seen. Also, those who were of the nature of the mixed multitude dare not join them. v.13 While at the same time those who were true seekers, multitudes of men and women, were added to the church. v.14 The Spirits cleansing has tremendously good results.