2 Timothy 3:3 - brutal

“The Last Days and Better News than Brutality”

(2 Timothy 3:3, December 11, 2011)

1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, ...

brutal,

The Lord has given all of us human society, and especially relationships of obedience and love within family and governmental structures. These gifts are for our good, providing us with some social limitations to aid in resisting our worst impulses.

But in the last days people will be brutal, fierce, and very difficult to restrain. This will be shown forth not only as individuals resist the moderating influences of God's gift of oversight, but even in the social structures themselves. Not only will individuals be brutal, but brutality will be readily identified in many families and among many nations.

Even churches can become places where people employ speech and actions that are course and abusive. This should not be, but we are warned in this passage that the first coming of the Messiah will not immediately bring the fullness of heaven upon the earth.

Like John the Baptist, we may express some surprise at the result of the coming of our King. “Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect another.” But the signs of Messiah and the kingdom were displayed before the people. Jesus is Lord, but during this age, the just must live by faith. Too often, even in the church, people will be brutal.

The Lord's kindness and severity

This is not the way of the Lord, who tells us to follow Him through this wilderness into the promised land of heaven. Jesus is not brutal.

But it is fair to acknowledge that Jesus was unwilling to be tamed by false doctrine and brutal leaders who demanded His obedience. He did confront abusive and immoral spiritual authorities without compromise.

It is also a fact that His coming again as Judge will not be tame. But in Him, the requirements of God's holiness and mercy meet, and a life and death are offered up to the Father.

Kiss the Son, and His wrath will turn. See Psalm 2. And consider Romans 11:22 where the apostle warns Christian Gentiles, “Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.”

If we will bow before the King of the Church, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, we will not increase in brutality. We will be gentled. Yet we will also see that the way of God has a severity to it that must be acknowledged and respected.

We do acknowledge brutality, even within the church, and we mourn. But the story of His coming has given us the better news of perfect love. Come soon, Lord Jesus!