There are many biblical prophecies that have been fulfilled to demonstrate that God’s word is faithful and true. We are all aware that approximately 750 years before Jesus was born, God already spoke through the prophet Isaiah about the birth, suffering, and death of Jesus. And all of that was fulfilled in plain sight of everyone.
False prophets have always existed—people whom the devil uses to distract people from the path of God. These are people who have the audacity to say that God has spoken to them, but they know very well it is a lie, and that God has spoken nothing to them. Nowadays, this happens so people can seek fame and glory for themselves, and in the end, they are left with the shame because God said nothing.
But there is a notable and prophetic message in the Bible that is being fulfilled right before our eyes today, which everyone must take into account. Because if we do not open our eyes, we can be contaminated and even fall into sin, as it speaks to all believers.
In 2 Timothy 3 verses 1-5, or rather all of 2 Timothy 3, Paul speaks, saying: “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” And he explains what will happen. This message is for those who are in Christ and awaiting His coming, so they can take heed, because the enemy will try to enter everywhere. Do not forget what is written in 1 Peter 4:18, saying: “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Let us take the time to look at how people’s character and thoughts have changed—how people no longer have time for God; everything is about work, money, partying; everything is about themselves and for themselves. Let us pause for a moment and look at the decay in morals and respect, and realize the times we are living in. Let us see how many people are growing cold, little by little, putting up all kinds of excuses not to attend to the things of God, yet they have time for everything else. Let us not only look at the changes in our youth, but also look at how adults, who should set a good example, are behaving.
But most importantly, we must realize that all this evil influence is entering the church of God, where people act as if they are with God, but their hearts are far from Him. This is not a matter of judgment, but this prophetic message given by Paul is being fulfilled word for word, letter by letter, and everyone needs to open their eyes because it speaks to all of us.
Furthermore, in 2 Timothy 3:10-17, Paul explains to Timothy, and to all of us living in these difficult times, how we ought to behave and live for God. Paul also speaks of the persecution that took place, and which is also taking place right now, saying very clearly in 2 Timothy 3:12: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (Note: corrected from the text’s 4:12 reference).
There are things that stand out in Paul’s message, which are: lacking self-control, irreconcilable, arrogant, disobedient to parents, and lovers of pleasure. Everything Paul wrote is for us to guard ourselves and draw closer to God, because the times are evil.