Societal Characteristics of the Last Days: Part 1

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1).

“For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, …” (2 Timothy 3:2).

This series is a study examining the societal characteristics of the last days that Paul wrote about in 2 Timothy 3.

Initially, this four-part series was basically an outline to aid in the teaching of these passages. There’s really nothing earth-shaking or groundbreaking found within this study – at least for the educated believer. We know these verses very well and have been witnessing this prophecy coming to fruition on a yearly, monthly, and daily basis.

But I did want to share this study with the reader, as the definitions of the Greek words Paul used are very helpful, useful, and sometimes eye-opening. In sharing this series, I hope and pray it will be used as a tool for teaching on this subject and shared with unbelievers, that they may see what we so clearly see.

Basically, I’m listing the English words with their original Greek counterparts, noting their primary definitions, citing Scripture for practical application, and relating these societal characteristics with current events and trends in an effort to demonstrate that these prophecies for the last days are being fulfilled before our very eyes.

The Greek word for “lovers of their own selves” is 5367 phílautos (an adjective, derived from 5384/phílos, “lover” and 846/autós, “of self”) – properly, a lover of self, describing someone preoccupied with their own selfish desires (self-interests). [All definitions from Biblehub.com]

The world has been telling us that the reason mankind has problems in life is because men and women have a natural tendency to dislike themselves.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3).

The pseudo-sciences of Psychology and Psychiatry, popularized by God-denying, Christ-rejecting men such as Freud, Jung, Maslow, and others have played a major role in perpetuating the lie that men lack “self-esteem” and “self-love.” This is the only profession that claims to cure the disease that itself has created. (For more information on this subject, I highly recommend Psychology and the Church by T.A. McMahon and Dave Hunt, articles at thebereancall.org, and books by Dr. Martin and Deidre Bobgan.)

Unfortunately, this humanistic man-centered lie has infiltrated the church at an alarming rate. We even have churches that employ secular psychologists and psychiatrists on their staff.

Other churches, in an effort to “help” their congregations – yet seeing a contradiction – have resorted to employing so-called “Christian psychologists” or “Christian counselors” who are steeped in the pseudo-sciences of humanistic Psychology and Psychiatry and are promoting these teachings that are contrary to the Bible. All of this is done in an effort to heighten the laity’s self-esteem and self-love. This endeavor should be considered the purest form of “antithetical Christian behavior.”

We, as Christians, have the Holy Spirit, Whom Jesus called The Comforter. He is the only One that should be counseling the believer. As Jesus told His disciples:

“… I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” (John 14:16-17).

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Whatever happened to good old-fashioned fellowship and sharing in the sufferings of the brotherhood?

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another” (Romans 12:10).

Man, according to Scripture, has never had a problem loving himself. In fact, it is this self-love that is the problem. The sin of selfishness is probably the most easily seen of all sin and the first to rise in the human heart. Just consider the toddler and his favorite new word, “Mine!”

It’s no surprise that this characteristic is so prevalent in secular society, but, sadly, this state of loving one’s self is just as pervasive in the professing church.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

The Greek word for “covetous” is 5366 philárgyros (from 5384/phílos, “lover” and 696/árgyros, “of silver”) – properly, a lover of money (literally, silver) – i.e., someone (literally) “in love with personal gain (having money).”

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s” (Exodus 20:17).

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12:15).

Modern-day political words that come to mind when we think of covetousness are Socialism, Marxism, wealth redistribution, and reparations. A legendary tale’s mantra is, “Take from the rich and give to the poor.”

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:6-10).

There are three words that seem to inspire the world in their unhealthy pursuit of “happiness”: Power, fame, and fortune; and the devil is only too happy to provide if it suits his purposes.

Everybody wants what everybody else has and won’t be satisfied, so they think, until they have it all. We, as a fallen people, are never content without God – it’s impossible. We have to have more! “Give me, give me, give me! Take, take, take!” For what?

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

“… learned, in whatsoever state [we are], therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11b).

The one sin that plagues all of mankind, without fail and never satisfies, is the sin of covetousness. It most certainly is prevalent in all societies and is ramping-up in these last days.

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5).

The Greek word for “boasters” is 213 alazṓn (a masculine noun) – properly, a wandering vagrant (vagabond), boasting to anyone who is foolish enough to take him seriously! This kind of person claims many things he can’t really do, so he must always keep moving on to new, naive listeners. [As a masculine noun, 213 (alazṓn) tends to focus on the source of the empty boasting, i.e., the sinful arrogance that drives it.]

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).

The culture of the United States is a cesspool of boasting. From exalted entertainers and sports figures to the elite corporate and social media tycoons and political talking heads. Those in the upper echelons of public life are as arrogant as they come.

Consider the rulers of other nations; how they boast of their newest weapons, luxury palaces, and the power they wield.

How’s your circle of influence and observations concerning this character trait? Is it as prevalent in your sphere as it is in my everyday walk in this world?

Everybody was, and is, the best athlete. Everybody was, and is, the most popular. Everybody is the smartest and most qualified. Whenever one is passed over for a job promotion, it isn’t because they didn’t deserve it – in fact, they more than deserved it – they just have an idiot for a boss. And it goes on and on and on.

“My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad” (Psalm 34:2).

Do we see arrogant boasting in our society from the top-down today, and does it seem to be intensifying? I’d say it would be an exception for one not to acknowledge this trend.

The Greek word for “proud” is 5244 hyperḗphanos (from 5228/hypér, “beyond, over” and 5316/phaínō, “shine forth”) – properly, over-shine, trying to be more than what God directs, i.e., going beyond the faith He imparts (cf. Ro 12:2,3).

“Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:21).

The fall of Satan was contingent on, and instigated in, his self-deluded pride; and the father of pride has seduced mankind with the same mindset and empty promises.

Pride inevitably leads to boasting. It seems you can’t have one without the other. This most certainly appears to be why the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to use these two societal characteristics side-by-side.

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16).

If we see boasting so widespread in our day like we do, then we most certainly can say we have the market cornered by the pride that fuels such boasting.

“Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips” (Proverbs 27:2).

The Greek word for “blasphemers” is 989blásphēmos – what is blasphemous (reverses spiritual and moral realities). See 987 (blasphēmeō). 987 blasphēméō (from blax, “sluggish, slow” and 5345/phḗmē, “reputation, fame”) – properly, refusing to acknowledge good (worthy of respect, veneration); hence, to blaspheme which reverses moral values.

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20).

Isaiah’s statement of prophecy is fulfilled in a radical way in these end-times. With the obvious exception of the pre-flood world, the reversal of moral values is a plague on society and has never been so prevalent as it is in these last days. What once was considered taboo is now not only accepted, it is encouraged and celebrated. We, as a society, are virtually having a party for evil and have buried in death all that is righteous, holy, and good.

Observation makes this characteristic crystal clear for anyone with eyes to see. Just pick up the newspaper and keep up on the new “social” laws and the protections of deviant behavior passed by the world’s governments.

Notice also that we have a set of laws for the populace that is never heeded by those who write those laws, as lawlessness rules our day.

The world has rejected the good and embraced the evil. It’s hard to believe it will get worse, but it most certainly will.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-23).

The Greek word for “disobedient” is 545 apeithḗs (an adjective) – literally, unwilling to be persuaded (by God), which shows itself in outward disobedience (outward spiritual rebellion); disobedient because unpersuaded. 545/apeithḗs (“unpersuaded”) begins with the decision to reject what God prefers, with His offer to persuade about His preferred-will (cf. 2307/thélēma). See 543 (apeitheia). [Note the root, 3982/peíthō (“persuade”).]

Any visit to a grocery store, and one could very well see this characteristic play out, in real time, with a teenager (or even a pre-teen) screaming and cursing out his or her mother. The words coming from that child’s mouth would make a sailor blush. But this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg concerning this characteristic trait.

“The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it” (Proverbs 30:17).

Most certainly, the Holy Spirit is grieved by how we, as a people, have disrespected, disregarded, and discarded our parents in their senior years as a collective society. We consider those we ship off to nursing homes – never to be visited by their loved ones again – the lucky of the lot. How infuriating!

Whether they were lovely or something to be desired, we have a command to honor them, and we would be well-served to do just that.

“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee” (Exodus 20:12).

It truly is heartbreaking at what the offspring can do to those who brought them into the world and supplied their needs. This is a condition that has a trickle-down effect on society, and we are seeing the rotten fruit of that tree today.

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

The Greek word for “unthankful” is 884 axáristos (an adjective, derived from 1/A “not” and 5483/xarízomai, “experiencing grace“) – properly, without God’s grace (favor) which results in unthankfulness (literally, “ungraceful”).

This is an interesting definition and seems to suggest a circular reciprocity that, in most cases, never ends. God grants His grace and favor to man, and man tends to become unthankful. When God’s grace and favor are withheld (for whatever reason God deems necessary), then man becomes that much more unthankful. Man is just outright unthankful – regardless of favor and grace, or not.

It would also seem that this perpetual condition, most obviously, is a result of learned behavior in the home.

Mom and Dad give the child grace and favor; the child becomes spoiled and expects, then neglects, these gifts in unthankfulness. As punishment, Mom and Dad revoke said grace and favor, and… Well, I think you get the idea.

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15).

We often think of unthankfulness as a childlike quality, and indeed spoiled children bring about spoiled fruit in the lives of those children if not corrected by a loving parent. But, unfortunately, the rod of discipline has been taken from our society, and we see the repercussions of this as those same children have grown up.

Honestly, it is a rarity these days to find one who is thankful. Unthankfulness goes hand in hand with covetousness, and they work their darkened “magic” together to the detriment of society’s spiritual and moral health. No wonder God withdraws His grace and favor.

Once one covets anything from an evil and unnatural desire – then receives what he or she has coveted – are they thankful? Of course not. Things desired and received by force, or even as a gift, are rarely respected and appreciated. Why? Because the deceitful and wicked human heart is never satisfied and demands “More! More! More!”

Isaiah, speaking of Israel’s useless watchmen leaders, sums up this perverse characteristic this way:

“Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter” (Isaiah 56:11).

For those of us who have given our lives to the Creator and Savior of our souls, we…

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning [us]” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

For those with a keen eye, we will be starting our examination in Part 2 with “Unholy.” The reason I didn’t include that characteristic in Part 1 is because I wanted to make an obvious point with the characteristics we just studied: They are all about self.

“Lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful” – are all about self.

“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

The self-worship, which we all are prone to, is what keeps us from ever focusing our attention on others, and most importantly, on our Creator and Savior, Jesus Christ. We must put off “self” and put on Christ:

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14).

Regarding Easter and Christmas, ...like the lie of Jesus' birth on Christmas 25.

It's not a lie - it was a calculated date -- if one read Hippolytus of Rome in Commentary on the book of Daniel written in AD 204 one reads that (here's a link to the pdf

For the first advent of our Lord in the flesh, when he was born in Bethlehem, was December 25th, Wednesday, while Augustus was in his forty-second year, but from Adam, five thousand and five hundred years. He suffered in the thirty-third year, March 25th, Friday, the eighteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, while Rufus and Roubellion were Consuls.

The reference to Adam can be understood in light of another of Hyppolytus’ writings, the Chronicon, where he explains that Jesus was born nine months after the anniversary of Creation. According to his calculations, the world was created on the vernal equinox, March 25, which would mean Jesus was born nine months later, on December 25

In the West, the birth of Christ was celebrated on December 25, and in the East on January 6 -- and the Eastern Orthodox and the Oriental orthodox still celebrate it n Jan 6 - and that has been well known for centuries

The Church never claims nor claimed 25 December as the concrete date, just that this is the date the Latin rite celebrates the birth of the Lord -- the Marointe, Syro-Malabar, Byzantine etc. CATHOLIC rites celebrate it on 6 January.

They are seeking to know more about Christ Jesus and, for that, one should not ever shake the finger at them. Having that tender conscience before God is precious. We should ever extend grace to those who are learning about God and never be puffed up enough to think that they are somehow lower in station. God forbid.

yes, and the danger is if they draw to conclusions without reading the whole. That is the flaw in pre-tribulation rapturism and in many other philosophies that arose in the 19th century.

These seek to learn about God, but they are then twisted into theories rising in the 19th century

The greater issue is the replacement of Israel by some which puts God Almighty in the blasphemous position of making promises that He won’t fulfill. I would hope you agree.

Now this is again trying to shoe-horn 19th century concepts like rapture or replacement theology.

The view as in the book of Revelation and in Church theology ever since is that after the crucifixion, the curtain of the Jewish sanctuary was torn in two (Mk 15:37-39, Lk 23:44-46, Mt 27:51) and the fledgling Church became the New Israel. One might say God's marriage to his people was "consummated" at the Pentecost.

Israel includes BOTH Christianity (New Israel), and it's older brother in the faith of Abraham (Jewish people yet to accept Christ).

This is clearly seen in Paul's epistles that there is no Jew and no Greek in Christ, but ONE

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2:28, 29)

Jesus is the END of the Mosaic law - both its goal and its terminus.

Jesus was a Jew, Mary was a Jew, Joseph was a Jew, all 12 of the apostles were Jews, every author of every book of Scripture, except Luke, were Jews

Christianity is at its heart Jewish. Paul in Romans talks about the Gentiles being grafted in to the promise of Israel... it's not trying to recreate or layer on top of the Mosaic law, but the Mosaic law was pointing to something which is a natural completion. So we would expect to see within Christianity elements of Judaism, and in fact the early Church was so Jewish there was actually a debate about whether Gentiles would need to become Jews to become Christians (Galatians). Do the Gentile believers need to be circumcised and follow all the laws of Moses in order to become part of the Covenant Community? The answer was absolutely "no". Ironically we've come full circle and ... for a lot of people a legitimate question is if a Jewish person comes to Christ do they have to cease to become a Jew to be a Christian the answer to that is also "No!"... the Jewish roots of the faith are extraordinary."

Jewish Festival	Catholic Equivalent
PASSOVER: Month in which the Passover occur is first month of the year is Nissan because it's the most important festival 10th day of month select perfect lamb 14th day slaughter Eat entire lamb to stop the angel of death Passover sacrificial lamb takes the place of the First born who were slaughtered	When we do the math, the 10th day of Nissan, Jesus enters Jerusalem, declared by Pontius Pilate to be without blemish. Crucified on the 14th day of Nissan Consume the sacrifice of Jesus in the Eucharist to conquer death The Last Supper, before Jesus is arrested, the next day he is slaughtered, to take our place
Festival of first fruits: is on the 1st day following the 1st Saturday of Passover, grain offering to the Lord so the rest of the crop would be acceptable.	Jesus Crucified on Friday the Sabbath, He arose from the dead on Sunday, which was on the Jewish festival of First Fruit. He is described as First fruit in Scripture pointing to him being the first to be resurrected from the dead.
Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot: is 50 days after the Passover. Commemorates Moses coming down from the mountain with the 10 commandments. The word of God written on stone. the first time he came down they were worshiping the golden calf idol. Moses smashed the stones. Moses asked the Levites to slaughter 3,000	Pentecost: Ancient Greek: Πεντηκοστή [ἡμέρα], Pentēkostē [hēmera], "the Fiftieth [day]" Holy Spirit falls on the disciples of Christ 50 days after the Resurrection. The law was written on their hearts that day. (Jeremiah says a new covenant will be written on our hearts... here it is... on the same day.) Pentecost Holy Spirit lands of the apostles, and they were all speaking in tongues, preached, and 3,000 were saved by becoming believers. This is the same day as Shavuot.

On the Babylonian Talmud, I’ve still got it on my bookshelf and appreciate the reminder to chuck the damn thing in the garbage where it belongs.

No, it does not belong in the garbage. It is an extraordinary erudite exposition of rabbinical Jewishness. And more importantlyf for us Christians it tells us how Rabbinical Jews (what we simply call "Jews) today think.

It's for the same reason I have read the Quran, Hadiths and the little handbooks that Muslims give their children "what is Christianity" (hint - it tells them that we worship 3 gods and that Jesus will come and kill all Christians) - because that's how you will know how they think

A rabbinical Jew will understand Jesus through the prism of what he was taught Jesus said and did. A Muslim will understand Isa through the prism of what they were taught that Jesus said and did

And if I had a nickel for every time I’ve read that the Catholic organization is the only way to get saved, I’d be a millionaire. Again, the puffed up arrogance. I can’t imagine having to give account for it. But doesn’t it (Catholicism) teach that Muslims are going to Heaven?

Actually read what the Catholic church says about itself, not what others say about it

fromthe Catechism

"The Church knows that she is joined in many ways to the baptized who are honored by the name of Christian, but do not profess the Catholic faith in its entirety or have not preserved unity or communion under the successor of Peter.

Those "who believe in Christ and have been properly baptized are put in a certain, although imperfect, communion with the Catholic Church."

It then explains, How are we to understand this affirmation "Outside the Church there is no salvation" Re-formulated positively, it means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me” (Jn 14:6). Then Jesus explained it further as

He who believes and is baptized will be saved. (Mk 16:16)
Unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (Lk 13:3)
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. (Jn 6:54)

Notice that in these three verses Jesus associated salvation with baptism, confession, and the Eucharist, respectively.

Does this means those outside are going to hell? -- Not if you truly believe in Jesus as Lord, God and Savior, repent, believe, be baptized and endure to the end

=======

And no, we don't say Muslims are going to heaven. We say that plan of salvation includes those who SAY they hold the faith of Abraham and who adore the one merciful God. Muslims don't adore the one merciful God - at least the "good Muslims" don't -- the "bad Muslims" reject Allah and jihadi-ism. they have a concept of a one-god, but they worship Al-illah, not the Lord

Catholics have heard the Gospel and have made their choice between man’s word and God’s Word.

Note that the pre-tribulation rapture is Man's word. God's word is Jesus.

Hardly no Catholic seems to know that Paul, and only Paul, was sent to the Gentiles

Sigh.. who first converted gentiles? Peter.

And no, if you read the book of Acts, it is clear that Paul was not the ONLY one sent to the gentiles

Firstly - Peter baptised gentiles - not only was he the first to do so, he went to Rome where he conducted further baptisms bringing the ire of the authorities on him

Secondly - Paul is linked with Barnabas who was a Cypriot Jew

Thirdly - the Roman authorities cracked down on the Jesus Movement as they were converted gentiles - they didn't care what sects the crazy Judaics had, but if they tried to convert good pagans, they were in for trouble

Fourthly - further afield, Thomas went to india and converted local Brahmins to Christianity (the Marthomite Catholic church)

Paul was the PRINCIPLE apostle to the gentiles as we read in Romans 11, but he was definitely not the "only"

Catholicism builds its house on Peter which is so wrong and weird, to say the least, since he was sent to the circumcision (read that, “Jews”).

Again, you haven't really read what Catholicism says of itself rather what others say of Catholicism.

The Bishop of Rome rests its authority on being the see of Peter AND Paul. both of them were martyred on the outskirts of Rome and they have basilicas to it.

Peter was not just sent to the circumcision - come on, as I said above, he baptised gentiles before Paul, he then went to Rome and was baptising gentiles there.

have you read 1 Peter? he addresses it to the gentile converts of Asia Minor

The entire concept that Paul was the only one baptizing gentiles is proven false with the ancient church of the east

The founding fathers of this church were Thaddeus of Edessa, one of the seventy disciples of Jesus - most likely Thaddeus the Apostle. He was a JEW born in Edessa and prea ched in Mesopotamia, Syria and Persia and converted many gentiles

It is also proven false by the activities of the apostle Bartholomew who preached in Parthia and northern India. This folded into the Assyrian church

Your theory is also false as seen by the activities of the Apostle Thomas in India as I pointed out

All three of these apostles baptised gentiles.

Where I “came up” with these

1. About Catholicism - you can read this directly on the Catechism of the Catholic church - basically what the Catholic Church says it believes. Nearly all of what you said we Catholics believe is what others say we believe and those external views of what we believe are false

2. About the Ancient church of the east - I had the honor to tour Iraq, Iran, southern India in the period before the second Gulf War and meet these ancient Christians whose pagan ancestors were converted to Christianity by the Apostles Bartholomew or Thaddeus or Thomas.

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