END TIME

Proverbs 23:21 in the King James Version (KJV)

"For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags."

2 Timothy 3:1-5 (KJV):
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul is writing to his disciple Timothy, warning him about the characteristics and behaviors of people in the "last days," a term often used in the Bible to refer to the period before the second coming of Jesus Christ. Here's an explication of the verses:

1. Perilous Times: Paul begins by alerting Timothy that difficult and dangerous times will come in the future. These times are marked by moral and spiritual challenges.

2. Character Traits: Paul lists various negative characteristics and behaviors that will be prevalent during these perilous times. These include:

• Lovers of their own selves: Self-centeredness and narcissism will be common.
• Covetous: People will be greedy and materialistic.
• Boasters: They will boast or brag about themselves.
• Proud: Pride and arrogance will be widespread.
• Blasphemers: People will show disrespect or contempt for God.
• Disobedient to Parents: A lack of respect and obedience to parents will be prevalent.
• Unthankful: Ingratitude will be common.
• Unholy: A disregard for holiness and moral values will be evident.
• Without Natural Affection: Natural family bonds and affections will be weakened.
• Trucebreakers: Agreements and treaties will be broken.
• False Accusers: People will make false accusations against others.
• Incontinent: Lack of self-control, especially regarding desires and impulses.
• Fierce: Cruel and violent behavior will be present.
• Despisers of Those that are Good: Goodness will be scorned and ridiculed.
• Traitors: People will betray others.
• Heady: Rash and impulsive behavior.
• Highminded: Arrogant and conceited.
• Lovers of Pleasures more than Lovers of God: Pursuit of pleasure and hedonism will take precedence over love and devotion to God.

3. Form of Godliness, but Denying the Power Thereof: Some individuals will outwardly appear religious or pious but will lack true spiritual power and authenticity. They may go through religious rituals without a genuine commitment to God.

4. From Such Turn Away: Paul advises Timothy to distance himself from those who exhibit these negative characteristics and behaviors, as they can have a corrupting influence.

In summary, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 is a warning about the moral and spiritual decay that will occur in the "last days". You are therefore encouraged as believers to maintain your faith and integrity in the face of these challenges while avoiding association with those who exemplify these negative traits.

"And be not drunk with wine": This part of the verse begins with a clear prohibition against drunkenness. Just like in other translations, it advises against excessive consumption of wine or any intoxicating substance. The Bible consistently discourages drunkenness because it can lead to a loss of self-control, moral lapses, and destructive behavior.

"Wherein is excess": The phrase "wherein is excess" means that drunkenness is associated with excessive behavior. When people are drunk, they often engage in unrestrained and unwise actions. This excessiveness can lead to various problems in their lives and relationships.

"But be filled with the Spirit": In contrast to the previous prohibition, this part of the verse encourages believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit means allowing the Holy Spirit to have control and influence over one's life. It involves surrendering to the guidance, empowerment, and transformation that the Holy Spirit brings.

In summary, Ephesians 5:18 in the KJV advises Christians to avoid drunkenness and the excesses that come with it. Instead, believers are encouraged to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This means seeking a life guided by the principles and fruit of the Spirit, living in accordance with God's will, and allowing the Holy Spirit to empower them to live a righteous and holy life. The verse emphasizes the importance of a spiritual and obedient walk with God, marked by self-control and a reliance on the Holy Spirit's leading.

Remember, my friend, that even great figures like Joseph, Abraham, Moses, and even Jesus had to wait for significant periods in their lives. If you find yourself in a season of waiting, take solace in the fact that you're in exceptional company. God's timing is always perfect, and your waiting is part of a greater plan. Stay patient, keep faith, and trust that your time will come too.

God is never late.