Paul explains to Timothy what to expect in the last days from the people and culture as Christ’s return looms on the not-so-distant horizon.
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.”
— 2 Timothy 3:1 (ESV)
Paul’s words to Timothy are direct and unfiltered. He does not soften the reality of what life will be like in the last days. The characteristics he lists in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are sobering, but they are not just a prophecy of the distant future—they describe the world we live in today.
It is important to remember that “the last days” began when Jesus ascended into heaven and will continue until His return. Paul was living in the last days just as we are now. However, as we draw closer to Christ’s return, these sinful behaviors will become more widespread and more intense. Society will drift further from God, until, at the appointed time, the Father will declare, “Enough!” Jesus will return for His people, and the earth will enter into the time known as the Great Tribulation or the Time of Jacob’s Trouble.
Until then, what should we expect from people and cultures in the world around us? Let’s take a closer look at Paul’s warning.
A Culture Increasing in Selfishness
“For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant…” (2 Timothy 3:2)
The defining trait of the last days is selfishness. At its core, every sin Paul describes stems from self-centeredness. Instead of living for God, people will prioritize themselves. We see this all around us:
- Lovers of self – People will care more about their own desires than the needs of others. Narcissism will be celebrated, and personal happiness will be the highest goal.
- Lovers of money – Wealth and possessions will become idols. Greed will dominate as people pursue financial gain at any cost.
- Boastful and arrogant – Pride will be worn like a badge of honor. Humility and modesty will be seen as weaknesses.
- Conceited – People will be obsessed with their own importance, seeking constant validation and praise.
This attitude is a direct rejection of Christ’s call to deny ourselves and follow Him (Luke 9:23). Instead of humility and generosity, the world will be filled with self-serving pride.
A Society That Despises Goodness
“…abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good…” (2 Timothy 3:2-3)
These words describe a culture where morality is abandoned. We see this happening today:
- Disobedient to parents – Respect for authority will fade. Rebellion against parents and elders will become common.
- Ungrateful – A sense of entitlement will replace thankfulness. People will expect privilege without appreciation.
- Unholy – Nothing will be considered sacred. Sin will be normalized, and righteousness will be mocked.
- Heartless and unforgiving – Love will grow cold. People will refuse to reconcile, holding onto bitterness.
- Slanderous – Gossip and false accusations will be widespread. Social media has made it easier than ever to destroy reputations with a few words.
- Without self-control – Impulses will rule. Whatever feels good in the moment will be pursued, no matter the consequences.
- Brutal – Acts of cruelty and violence will increase. Compassion will be replaced with hostility.
- Not loving good – The world will turn against what is truly good. Morality will be redefined, and those who stand for righteousness will be ridiculed.
As Jesus said in Matthew 24:12, “Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.”
A World Driven by Pleasure and Betrayal
“…treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…” (2 Timothy 3:4)
People will live for temporary pleasure instead of eternal truth. Sin will be celebrated, and anything that brings personal enjoyment will be pursued without restraint.
- Treacherous and reckless – Betrayal will be common. People will act impulsively without considering the harm they cause.
- Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God – Rather than seeking the joy of knowing God, people will chase whatever brings them immediate gratification. Sin will not only be tolerated but embraced.
This is a dangerous trap. The pursuit of pleasure apart from God always leads to destruction. As Proverbs 14:12 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
A False Appearance of Godliness
“…having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:5)
Perhaps the most deceptive trait of the last days is that many will claim to be godly but will reject the true power of God. This includes:
- Those who attend church but do not live transformed lives.
- Those who preach morality but do not submit to God’s authority.
- Those who say they believe in God but redefine Him according to their own desires.
Paul warns us to avoid such people. This does not mean we should stop witnessing to them, but we must be careful not to be influenced by their ways.
How Should Christians Respond?
It is easy to become discouraged when we see the world growing darker. But Jesus did not tell us to fear—He told us to watch and be ready (Matthew 24:42). As believers, we must:
- Stay rooted in God’s Word. The Bible gives us wisdom and strength to navigate these times (Psalm 119:105).
- Live differently. We are called to be salt and light in a corrupt world (Matthew 5:13-16).
- Surround ourselves with godly community. Find a Bible-believing church that encourages spiritual growth and accountability (Hebrews 10:25).
- Share the gospel. The world needs Jesus more than ever. Boldly proclaim the truth while there is still time (2 Timothy 4:2).
- Look forward to Christ’s return. Though things will get worse, we have hope. Jesus is coming back to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
Final Thoughts
The traits Paul described in 2 Timothy 3:1-5 are on full display in our world today. As we wait for Christ’s return, we should not be surprised when we see these things happening. Instead, we must remain steadfast in our faith, keeping our eyes on Jesus and walking in obedience to His Word.
The world is getting darker—but that only makes the light of Christ shine brighter. Let us stand firm, live with expectation, and prepare our hearts for the day when He returns. Until then, we remain faithful.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
Additional resources:
Why we watch for signs in the last days
Perseverance: A Christian Call in the Last Days
Living the the last days – Love Worth Finding
