Sermon: Wittenberg Academy – Jan 31, 2023

31 Jan 2022

Text: 2 Tim 3:1-17

In the name of + Jesus.  Amen.

St. Paul’s letter to St. Timothy continues with a bit of a prophecy: “In the last days there will come times of difficulty.”  He lists a litany of sins that will dominate as the days grow short and the Lord’s return becomes increasingly imminent.  There is a pattern.  Love is not directed at God but to the self and to money.  We will see pride and arrogance, abuse, rebellion against parental authority, unholiness and heartlessness, slander, lack of self-control, conceit, hedonism, and all the while claiming “the appearance of godliness.” 

This sounds like a pretty good summary of our culture today.  This should teach us to be ready for our Lord’s return.

So what are we to do?  “Avoid such people,” says the apostle.  They are dangerous.  They can lead you astray.  They “creep into households and capture weak women,” destroying families and robbing people of their Christian confession.  St. Paul cites the example of the toxic Jannes and Jambres who “opposed Moses.”  Their names are not mentioned in the Old Testament canon, but tradition teaches us that these were Pharaoh’s magicians and sorcerers.  These men not only opposed Moses, but called upon supernatural forces to oppose God.

St. Paul is teaching us that in the latter days, the culture will decay into the chaos of the realm of the demonic.  Our Lord Jesus Himself said as much: “False christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matt 24:24).  So do not be fooled, dear friends!

Instead of putting our trust in princes (Ps 146:3), we must listen to the Word of God.  As St. Paul testifies, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”  Let us remain on guard, prepared by the Word of God to be equipped for whatever “times of difficulty” we may be called to face.  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

Amen.

In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.