DISCERNMENT OF
PERILOUS TIMES
INTRODUCTION
Discernment of perilous times is needful in a time when deception is at an all time high; with the mind being played upon as in the Garden of Eden, when inducement towards ignoring the Word of God, and the perilous nature for doing so, was downplayed.
Scripture reveals: The woman (Eve) said to the serpent (Satan’s tool of deception), we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, you shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die (Genesis 3:2-3); then comes the downplaying of God’s Word: The serpent said to the woman, you shall not surely die (Genesis 3:4).
Discernment of perilous times vanished, at that moment, through deceptive words of the serpent. Scripture confirms that Eve, and her husband Adam, partook of the forbidden fruit; with death entering into the picture, which until then had not been a factor.
Discernment of Perilous Times
No Concern
Jesus identified a time that discernment of His coming would be likened to the pre-Flood days of Noah, and the days of Lot, both having experienced perilous times (destruction) though previously warned by Noah and Lot. Jesus said: In the days of Noah, they did eat, they drank, they married, wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all (Luke 18:26-27).
Likewise, as it was in the days of Lot, they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all (Luke 18:28-29). The need for discernment of perilous times is not to be taken lightly; with continuing in the pleasures of this world rather than alignment with God’s Word.
Perilous Times Will
Come
Discernment of perilous times was spelled out by Apostle Paul who gave the characteristics of those times, in writing: This know that in the last days (which we are in) perilous times shall come. Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers.
Disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent (without self control), fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady (reckless), high-minded, lovers of pleasures more (rather) than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, from such turn away (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Failure towards discernment of perilous times is noted in every one of the characteristics Paul identified. A godly deportment is readily identifiable in a world that is indulging in perilous times; seemingly without restraint, as it rides the slippery slope of destruction.
Turning Away from
the Truth
Apostle Paul gave a charge towards discernment of perilous times to Timothy, a young evangelist, in writing: I charge you before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ: Preach the word; be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:1-2).
Paul identified why there was a need to do so: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts (desire) shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (willing to be deceived); shall turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned into fables (that which is fictitious) (2 Timothy 3-4).
There is a progressive social gospel today that does little to sanctify the soul, enrich one in the entirety of God’s Word, or to live a holy life in the Lord. Paul’s direction to Timothy concerning discernment of perilous times: Watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry (make the truth known) (2 Timothy 4:5).
Having Witnessed
Perilous Times
Discernment of perilous times was a reality to Apostle Paul, who wrote that he was in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in death’s embrace often (2 Corinthians 11:23); in journeying, in perils of waters, robbers, by my own countrymen, by the heathen, in the wilderness, in the sea, and among false brethren (2 Corinthians 11:26).
Paul wrote of whom his strength came from: Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion, and the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:17-18).
Who Shall Separate Us
In discernment of perilous times, Apostle Paul wrote: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or peril, or sword? He then responded with a resounding: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him (Christ) that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor powers, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come (perils that lie ahead), shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of human standards), but mighty through God to the pulling (tearing) down of strongholds; casting down imaginations (arguments), and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
Arising Influence
In regards to discernment of perilous times there is a rising influence from Socialism and Marxism, cousins to Communism; Critical Race Theory (CRT), the Great Reset Plan, instituted by the World Economic Forum; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); to name a few, that would upset the normality of life.
Included in the spin-off of perilous times is a drive to maintain legalized abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, and transgenderism as a way of life. Thank God for those who are in opposition; having recognized the destructive measure of such ungodly practices.
Discernment of perilous times is in recognition, rather than rejection, of these threats to democracy. There is an ongoing battle to eliminate such but it is deep rooted in society and hard to dislodge; unless God intervenes.
Calling Evil Good
Discernment of perilous times was prophesied by the Prophet Isaiah, who gave warning: Woe to them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light, and lithe for darkness, that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter; woe to them that are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight (Isaiah 5:20-21); which justify the wicked for reward and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him (Isaiah 5:23).
We are witnessing a downward trend taking place by once godly nations that have failed to receive discernment of perilous times and have allowed such to befall them, allowing sin to flourish, violence and chaos to become the norm, and immorality to dwarf moral standards of the past. Are we also suffering the illusion that all is well?
Is the Church Immune
It was noted that we are living in a very permissive day when the religious world is tolerant to most any and all kinds of standards and lifestyles. This permissiveness and tolerance is the result of a self-willed and carnal minded society.
As a result of such tolerance and permissiveness, there are many churches, and even denominations, which have altered their teachings, their standards, and even their interpretations of the Scriptures. What once would have shocked Christians is now commonplace.
There is much that does not disturb the church like it once did. Many Christians have been lulled into believing that all is well. Where is the moral outrage necessary to petition God for a new reformation or another great awakening? Discernment of perilous times needs to come to light in the darkened world we live in. God has His watchmen sounding the alarm, to forewarn His people, and to encourage a closer walk in Him.
Peace in Midst of
Perilous Times
Discernment of perilous times fosters a need for peace for what lies ahead. Salvation of the soul brings a peace that this world cannot bring. Jesus extended an invitation: I stand at the door (door of one’s heart), and knock; if any man hears my voice (call to repentance), and open the door (only you can), I will come in to him, and will sup (dine – fellowship) with him and he with me (Revelation 3:20); while this invitation was applied to a church needing reform, it could apply to others (individuals) as well.
Apostle Paul wrote: Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord (the Lord Jesus Christ) shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Jesus said: Peace, I leave with you, my peace, I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14:27). The ultimate Peace-Giver is in Christ Jesus as one’s Lord and Savior.
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