The Perilous Times We Live In: A Call to Authentic Faith

In an age of social media holiness and surface-level spirituality, we find ourselves facing the very perils that the Apostle Paul warned about in his letter to Timothy. "In the last days perilous times shall come," he wrote, describing a world where people would be "lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers." But perhaps most troubling is his description of those who have "a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."

This warning resonates deeply in our current era. It's all too easy to present an outward appearance of faith - attending church, quoting scripture on social media, or using religious terminology. But do our actions truly reflect a deep, transformative faith? Or are we merely putting on a show, denying the true power of God in our lives?

The dangers of this superficial faith are manifold. When life's challenges arise, do we find ourselves turning to worldly comforts like drugs and alcohol instead of resting in the peace of God? Do we compromise our values to fit in with the crowd, justifying it as being a "cool Christian"? These behaviors not only harm our own spiritual growth but also dim our light in a world desperately in need of authentic faith.

Scripture warns us about the perils of conforming to the world's ways. In Galatians 5, Paul lists the "works of the flesh," including witchcraft (pharmakia in Greek, which relates to the use of drugs), drunkenness, and revelry. These behaviors are presented as being in direct opposition to the freedom we find in Christ. By indulging in them, we risk becoming entangled again in the "yoke of bondage" that Christ freed us from.

The enemy is cunning in his attempts to lead us astray. One powerful testimony shared in the "Fight of Faith with Jesus Christ & Ira Dubb" podcast recounts a harrowing experience with drugs, where I encountered what seemed to be a doppelganger - a chilling reminder of the spiritual warfare we face. This brush with the supernatural underscores the very real dangers of dabbling in practices that open doors to demonic influence.

But there's hope. The same passage that warns of these perils also reminds us of the incredible power available to believers. We are called to "stand fast... in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free." This liberty is not a license to sin, but rather the freedom to live in alignment with God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Understanding our place in God's grand narrative is crucial. Genesis tells us that mankind was created in God's image, given dominion over the earth. Yet, as we learn from passages in Ezekiel and Isaiah, this dominion was usurped by Satan's rebellion. The fall of Lucifer, described in vivid detail, shows us the destructive power of pride and the foolishness of exalting oneself above God.

Revelation 12 paints a cosmic picture of this ongoing spiritual battle, with Satan and his fallen angels cast down to earth. This explains the world we see around us - one filled with temptation, deception, and destruction. As bearers of God's image, we are particular targets of the enemy's hatred and schemes.

So how do we navigate these perilous times? The answer lies in embracing the full power of our faith, not just its outward form. We must be vigilant, guarding our hearts and minds against the constant barrage of worldly influences. This means being intentional about what we consume through media, recognizing that a "steady diet of wickedness" will not produce the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Moreover, we're called to take the "good fight of faith" seriously. This isn't just about personal piety; it's about recognizing our role in God's redemptive plan for the world. We're commanded to make disciples, to pray without ceasing, and to lay down our lives for others. This is how we exercise the authority given to us in Christ.

In a world that feels increasingly unsafe, both physically and spiritually, our only true refuge is in the Lord. But this isn't a passive hiding; it's an active engagement with the power and authority of Jesus Christ. We're reminded that He will never leave or forsake us, and that ultimately, "every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that He is Lord."

As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves:

1. Are we content with a superficial faith, or are we seeking a deep, transformative relationship with God?
2. How are we guarding ourselves against the subtle influences of the world that can lead us astray?
3. Are we actively exercising the spiritual authority we have in Christ, or are we living in fear of the enemy's schemes?
4. How can we be more intentional about making disciples and sharing the hope we have in Christ?

The times we live in may be perilous, but we serve a God who has overcome the world. Let's not settle for a mere form of godliness, but embrace the full power of faith in Christ. In doing so, we become beacons of hope in a dark world, pointing others to the transformative love and power of God.

As we go forward, may we be ever mindful of the spiritual battle raging around us, but also confident in the victory that is already ours in Christ. Let us stand firm in our faith, resist the enemy's schemes, and live out the authentic, powerful faith that can change not only our lives but the world around us.