Aug 11, 2015
“What in the World?: A World Gone Mad”
1 Chronicles 12:32; 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 12-13
“ . . . the men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do . . .” 1 Chronicles 12:32
· How I view the world is critical to understanding what is going on in the world.
o Another way of saying that is my position affects my perspective, and perspective shapes understanding.
How We Often View the World . . .
· Looking through the lens of Scripture is not just a good idea when it comes to understanding what’s going on in the world; it’s imperative.
“The unfolding of Your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130
“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6
· If I want to see the world properly, I must study the word diligently.
o It’s not about being a scholar of the word, but being a student of the word. (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17)
What’s Really Going on in the World?
· What is going on in the world is everything the Bible claims will happen in the world.
o Eventually this world, this age, will come to an end.
§ Jesus validated it. (Matthew 24)
§ Scripture prophesies it.
· “And it will come about in the last days . . .” (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Micah)
· “Now the Spirit expressly says that in the later times . . .” (1 Timothy 4:1)
· “But understand this, that in the last days . . .” (2 Timothy 3:1)
o In the last days there will come times of difficulty. (2 Timothy 3:1)
§ 19 Characteristics of the last days that Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 3:2-5
· The world scene will get worse, before it gets better.
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” 2 Timothy 3:12-13
But It’s Not The End of the Story . . .
The glorious hope we have is found when we look through the lens of Scripture.