2 Tim 4:5
The apostle Paul writes to his beloved son in the faith, Timothy, alerting him to the proliferation of evil that shall characterize the last days – eschatological realities! He refers to it as perilous times and he wanted Timothy not to be shocked or blindsided, but to be in the “know” – to know the times in which he lived. To survive these times in which we live and to successfully counteract evil, it is imperative for the church to remain knowledgeable of her world, her role, and the fact that evil shall be eventually demolished and decimated (2 Tim 3:9). The apostle declares, “But they shall proceed no further . . .” (3.9).
From the passage 2 Timothy 3, the reader clearly understands that these are redemption times and redemption times call for redemption living, sober living, holy living! He is careful to specifically warn Timothy “to keep his head in all situations, to endure hardships, to do the work of an evangelist and to discharge all the duties of his ministry” (2 Tim. 4:5). Certainly, now is no time to play church! These are intensely serious times. Soon the cry is about to be made “Behold, the bridegroom cometh . . .” (Matt. 25:6).
As the apostle outlines the catalogue of vices that characterizes the last days, it seems evident that there shall be an outbreak of evil that puts Sodom and Gomorrah to shame. In fact Jesus corroborates this as He also prophetically speaks of the end times to his disciples (Luke 17: 28,29). Even today, the sacred institution of marriage is not only under attack, but has been redefined. These are indeed dangerously scary times.
However, may I pivot for a moment and point out that the sin of Sodom was not just sodomy, but according to the Scriptures, their real sin was pride, fullness of bread and the abundance of idleness (Ezekiel 16:49,50). The prophet strikingly declares “. . . neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty and committed abomination before me; therefore I took them away as I saw good” (16:49,50). Apart from their other atrocious deeds, in Sodom they neglected the poor and needy. They had no compassion for the less fortunate. There was no concern for social justice. There was a complete disregard for the down-and-out, the downcast and the destitute.
As we move forward in 2023, this church cannot forget the poor. Jesus said “. . . And to the poor the gospel is preached” (Luke 7:22). It is crucial that this remains integral to our mission and one of our reasons for being. Having nice buildings and modern facilities are wonderful, but we, as His representatives, can never afford to forget the poor, the needy, the immigrants, the forgotten and the marginalized, standing up for truth and righteousness. Like Martin Luther King, Jr., we must organize for justice and sometimes engage in civil disobedience and non-violence. The church must fight back. We repel evil on every hand and side!
May the God that we serve, help us to awaken to our surroundings and what is truly going on, combating evil on every side, until the victory is won. We stand against racial, economic, and social injustice. We remain determined to follow after righteousness, faith, charity, and peace with them that call upon the Lord out of a pure heart (2 Tim. 2:22). Perilous times shall come, but we keep our heads and move forward.
Leroy V. Greenaway
Presiding Bishop – Northeast Region
