Lessons for Perilous Times

Lessons for Perilous Times

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”
— 2 Timothy 3:1

Q1: What makes today’s times so perilous?

• Our children are growing up in a world very different from ours.

• Every generation faces its own challenges and perils.

• Lack of strong leadership.

• Rising hatred and division.

• Love of money over God and people.

• The “Judas factor”—betrayal even from within.

Q2: What are the “last days”?

• Often thought of as a short, specific period—but what if it refers to an era spanning generations?

• Sometimes we need a wider lens to understand our place in history.

• Our faith is shaped by how we navigate these times.

Lessons from Timothy

• Paul wrote several letters; two—1 Timothy and 2 Timothy—are in the Bible.

• Timothy’s letters were deeply personal:

  • 1 Timothy: During Paul’s house arrest

  • 2 Timothy: During Paul’s imprisonment, chained and dependent on God’s grace and friends

• Paul’s tone changes in 2 Timothy—it’s a “saying goodbye” letter.

Legacy of leaders:

• Think of leaders like those in the Civil Rights Movement, Nelson Mandela, and President Obama.

• Many fought for causes they would never personally see fulfilled.

• Are we willing to work for something we may never see in our lifetime?

2 Timothy 3 – Perilous Times (Indicators)

Q3: What indicators stand out to you?

• Verse 3: Lack of natural affection; unloving, inhumane behavior

• Verse 13: Deception and dishonesty prevail

2 Timothy 4 – Charge to Timothy

• Complete your purpose.

• Endure hardships.

• Preach the Word faithfully.

• Verse 6: Paul speaks about “passing the torch”—conversations with those transitioning.

Q4: What do we do when closure is abrupt or unavailable?

2 Timothy 1:4-10 – Don’t Be Ashamed

• Paul’s letter is deeply personal, strengthening and encouraging Timothy.

• Historical context: Wicked and unstable leadership (e.g., Nero blaming Christians for Rome’s fire).

• Leaders like this will turn on you, but God’s truth endures.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” — John 8:32

• Paul’s journey included blindness, hardship, and unwavering faith.

Q5: What is our role in this season? How do we prepare our children?

• Focus on what is right in front of us without being overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

• The harvest is plentiful (Matthew 9:37).

• The peace of God surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

• If Paul could finish his race, so can we.

Introspective Questions

• Will we receive God’s Word even if it comes in an unexpected “package”?

• Will we carry the torch, or let the light go out?

• What will we do differently in this season?

• Are we willing to fight for God’s work even if we may never see the results?

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Perilous times teach us to hope beyond hope.