It would be foolish to deny that this world is full of evil. This past week saw the assassination of one man, another school shooting, and the memorial for those killed in a massive evil strike on 9/11.
Much has been written, and to add my words would provide little to the dialogue. I would simply remind us this morning of Paul’s words to Timothy in what is probably his last written words. They were written from a Roman prison where Paul was awaiting execution for his beliefs. The letter was written to encourage Timothy to stay the course amid great struggles.
His words should remind us that evil exists in this world. Modern civilization has not destroyed it. Education has not eradicated it. Politics have not abolished it. Our Constitution has not eliminated it. Evil is here and will be here until it is forever banished when Christ returns and sets us His Holy Kingdom.
And it will get worse. As Paul prophesied, “You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that…. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.” [2Timothy 3:1-5, 12-13 NLT]
So, what do we do in the face of such evil. Paul told Timothy what he was to do, and it is still good and true for us. “But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught…. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true.” [2Timothy 3:14, 16 NLT]
Stay true.
