The Second of an On-going
Series
(Matthew 13:24-30; 2 Timothy 3:1-13)
2. The Intensification of Evil
2. The Intensification of Evil
( Matthew
13:24-30; 2 Timothy 3:1-13)
(a).
History knows so little of anything other than the bitter fruit of evil and
conflict: the Persian wars, the wars of the Jews, the Attila invasion, the
children’s crusades, the Hundred Years’ Wars, the slave trade, the
twentieth-century World Wars, the German-Jewish Holocaust, the frightful atomic
climax to World War II, "O poor mortals," cried Thomas
Carlyle, "how you make this earth bitter for each other."
According
to the Scriptures, Christ’s return will be preceded by an intensification and
growth of evil that will be answered by a corresponding spread of the
Gospel. In Matthew 13:24-30. Jesus spoke to His disciples the parable of
the wheat and the tares. "Let
both grow together until the harvest" (Matt. 13:30). J Rodman Williams’s
discussion of a counterfeit Pentecost with Satan’s evil spirits let loose is
especially insightful, noting how Christ’s first advent occasioned an unusual utburts
of demonic activity, so Christ’s second advent will be resisted by a final
desperate effort to overcome the forces of good.
(b.) The Apostle Paul’s strong words to his son
Timothy concerning the intensification of evil before his own martyrdom are
especially descriptive and I keeping with Jesus’ Oliver discourse (Matt.
24:5; Mark 13: and Luke 21).
"In the last days perilous times shall come"
(2 Tim. 3:1). Note "last days" (the time from the first advent of Christ to
His second coming: see also 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18). Paul’s catalog of evils begins with
narcissism and the love of money, which he says is the root of all kinds of
evil. His analysis of a society that is
market-driven, market-structured, market-value-burdened corresponds to our
present day (cf. 1 Tim. 6:10).
The breakdown of morals through increasing and open
adultery, divorce, homicide, homosexuality, abortion, and religious form
without transforming substance are signs that indicate the coming end of
history, the return of Christ the Lord, and the judgment of God. The completion of His plan of salvation and
ultimate kingdom will not come gradually but through God’s own intervention.
Be prepared,
Playwright, Janet Irene Thomas
Founder/President/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
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