Worsening Spirituality Of Mankind

Text: II Timothy 3:1-17

The worsening spirituality of humankind is apparent today and its progression is foreseeable. The Holy Bible teaches
us the surety of its coming and it is hard to imagine how dangerous it would be the moment it progresses in the lives of
truth-rejecting generation. In II Timothy 3:1, it is written, This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
(KJV) Paying attention to this passage will help us to spiritually equip our young people so they may not be trapped by the
deceitfulness of sin.
The increasing presence of evil men will surely be hurtful to God-fearing people in the future and will even mislead
the innocents to the path of wickedness. In II Timothy 3:13, the Bible says, But evil men and seducers shall wax worse
and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (KJV) This verse denotes how deceitful sin really is. We must remind our
children to be watchful and prayerful so they may not be caught unaware when perilous times come.
True believers must carefully and consistently instil Bible principles into the lives of their children because we
strongly believe that such spiritual investment will be helpful to them in times of spiritual crises. What Paul wrote to
Timothy concerning the spiritual care we should give to our young people is vitally important. Paul admonished the young
preacher in II Timothy 3:14-15, 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of,
knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. (KJV) The world deceitfully shapes our children unto
foolishness, but the Word spiritually moulds and leads them in the path of wisdom.
As we see the worsening spirituality of human race, may we realize the overlooked causes of such spiritual decay.
The Word of God will be a great help to us especially if we use it appropriately in our daily walk. II Timothy 3:16-17
emphasized that, 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. KJV) Strict
adherence to the Word of God will lift us to a higher level of spirituality, and consequently, to a more fruitful Christian life.
(I) Heart-breaking Result Of Self-centeredness
II Timothy 3:2
-Self-centeredness leads a person to unholy life
Self-centered people are easily ushered to spiritual poverty. As they pursue their fleshly goals, they become
indifferent toward the principles of truth, and unknowingly, they become wicked everyday. II Timothy 3:2 tells us, For men
shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
(KJV) The surfacing number of selfish people will worsen the spiritual condition of the future world. We should not be
selfish, but always mindful of others and willing to live in the centre of Gods will. Submission to the perfect will of God is
an excellent way to fight spiritual corrosion.
It is then high time to educate our children about true freedom. The liberty that God has given us through Christ is not
a kind of freedom that tends to lawlessness, but it is a liberty which liberates us from the bondage of sin and keeps us
living within the Gospel rule of life. He who understands such freedom and live by it will never be a victim of selfishness,
covetousness, pride-associated behaviour, foul language, insubordination, ingratitude and uncleanness. Let Christ be
seen in you and may your life inspire others to live in holiness.
(II) Sad Consequence Of Belittling That Which Is Good
II Timothy 3:3
-Hard-heartedness towards others
Coldness toward godly things is a manifestation of spiritual deterioration. In II Timothy 3:3, it is written, Without natural
affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, (KJV) People who defame
what is right are usually lawless and hard to deal with. We should love righteousness and preserve the fundamental
quality of Biblical Christianity. Dont belittle what is good, but rather love it and let the Holy Ghost be your guide.
(III) Fleshly Result Of Pleasure Seeking Heart
II Timothy 3:4
-God has no place in a worldly heart
The moment a person becomes unmindful of the Lord Jesus Christ, he then starts to give opportunity to the devil to
escort him to a flesh-friendly activity. He who loves earthly pleasure will never please God. In II Timothy 3:4, it is written,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; (KJV) We must be watchful of the desires of our

hearts and be aware that mans heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. (See Jeremiah 17:9) Dont be
deceived; instead, be wise and victorious in Christ.
(IV) Devilish Effect Of Having Religion Without Life-changing Truth
II Timothy 3:5
-Deceitful association to be avoided
Religious but lost is a tragic result of religious pride and spiritual ignorance. Apparently, many devilish cults grow
notably today and their teachings are being embraced by a lot of people. It is so sad but because of lack of knowledge of
the Truth, they become easy prey of the devil. The alarming and fast-growing false religions in this pride-enthused world
will surely intensify the danger we face in the future.
True Christians must be courageous to stand for the Truth. They must avoid questionable association that eats up
their true identity with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says in II Timothy 3:5,Having a form of godliness, but denying the
power thereof: from such turn away. (KJV) It is heartbreaking to see many professing Christians who are not turning away
from worldly groups, but rather turned away from the truth in exchange for their preference. Such questionable Christians
are contributing more confusions than sharpening the Bible conviction God has given us to demonstrate for His honour
and glory. True believers must avoid confusing identity. We must keep in mind that God is not the author of confusion but
the Author of Truth.
(V) Deceitful Outcome Of Head Knowledge Without Truth-based Life
II Timothy 3:7
-The expected life of truth-rejecting people
Corrupt mind
Reprobate concerning the faith
Without spiritual growth
Victim of foolishness
In II Timothy 3:7, it is written, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. (KJV) This passage
from the Bible clearly points out that mere head knowledge without Biblical application is dangerous. The expected results
are: corrupt mind; beliefs that are good-for-nothing; unproductive spiritual life; and foolishness.
Seeing the need of this sin-darkened world and being alarmed of the perilous times to come, may we do our vital role
in proclaiming the Truth so the lost in dark places may be enlightened by the Gospel Light we carry.
True believers must keep on telling the world that Jesus saves, and strive to live by the Gospel rule of life. In
Philippians 2:15-16, it is written, 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst
of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may
rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain. (KJV)
Truly, dangerous times will come. Be courageous, do what is right and pleasing before God, and it wont take long, we
will be singing the victors song.