Navigating Perilous Times with Spiritual Discernment
Summary
In these days, we are living in times that the Bible calls “perilous”—days marked by spiritual confusion, relational breakdown, and a rise in self-centeredness. The apostle Paul warned Timothy that in the last days, people would become lovers of themselves, proud, boastful, ungrateful, and unholy. These are not just distant prophecies; we see these traits all around us, even within our own circles and sometimes within ourselves. The call is clear: we must be vigilant about the company we keep and the influences we allow into our lives. Relationships matter deeply, and who we surround ourselves with will either draw us closer to God or pull us away from Him.
It is easy to get caught up in earthly things—our daily struggles, our need to control outcomes, our desire for affirmation from others. But the Lord calls us to set our minds on heavenly things, to rely not on our own strength but on the Holy Spirit. This dependence on God does not come overnight; it is forged through years of walking with Him, learning to trust Him when everything around us seems to fall apart. The enemy knows his time is short, and he will do everything he can to disrupt our peace and our walk with God. But we are not left defenseless. The Holy Spirit is our encourager, our strength, and our guide through every trial.
We must also be discerning within the body of Christ. Not everyone who appears godly or speaks spiritual language is truly walking in the Spirit. There will be those who have a form of godliness but deny its power—those who seek self-edification, who stir up confusion, or who bring “wildfire” rather than the true fire of God. The instruction is not to hate or condemn, but to turn away from such influences, to protect the purity of our fellowship, and to guard the flock from harm. This is not always easy, especially when it involves people we love or have history with, but obedience to God’s Word must come first.
As we move forward, let us be a people who value humility, who seek the things of God above all else, and who are willing to make hard choices for the sake of holiness. Let us rely on the Spirit, discern the times, and be unafraid to stand for truth—even when it means turning away from what is familiar or comfortable. God is moving, and He is calling us to a higher standard for the sake of His name and His people.
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Key Takeaways
- Perilous Times Demand Spiritual Discernment
The days we live in are marked by spiritual peril, not just in the world but within the church itself. We must be alert to the warning signs Paul described—self-love, pride, and a denial of God’s power—and be willing to separate ourselves from influences that draw us away from Christ. Discernment is not optional; it is essential for spiritual survival in these last days. [01:56]
- The Company You Keep Shapes Your Destiny
Relationships are not neutral; they either build us up in the faith or erode our spiritual foundation. Surrounding ourselves with people who are grounded in God’s truth is vital, while clinging to those who are toxic or self-absorbed can hinder our walk. Sometimes, love means letting go and trusting God to work in others’ lives, even when it’s painful. [06:30]
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit Is Learned, Not Instant
Relying on the Holy Spirit is a process that takes time, patience, and intentionality. We are so accustomed to handling things in our own strength that true dependence on God often feels unnatural at first. But as we practice surrender, especially in times of crisis, we discover the Spirit’s power to lift us, guide us, and bring us through what we could never handle alone. [05:19]
- True Godliness Is Marked by Humility, Not Show
It is possible to have a form of godliness—outward religious behavior—while denying the true power of God in our lives. Genuine holiness is quiet, humble, and does not need to boast or draw attention to itself. We must be careful not to be impressed by spiritual “show” but to look for the fruit of the Spirit and the evidence of a transformed life. [14:50]
- Guard the Fellowship Against “Wildfire” and False Influence
As God moves, there will be those who seek to attach themselves to what He is doing for their own purposes, bringing confusion or counterfeit spirituality. It is the responsibility of spiritual leaders and the congregation to protect the flock, even if it means making difficult decisions or confronting disruptive influences. The purity and safety of God’s people must come before personal comfort or reputation. [19:21]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Reading 2 Timothy 3:1-5
[01:20] - Opening Prayer
[01:56] - Perilous Times and Spiritual Warfare
[02:45] - The Cost of Being “All In” with God
[03:30] - Signs of the Last Days
[04:35] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Mindset
[05:19] - Learning to Rely on the Holy Spirit
[06:30] - The Importance of Godly Relationships
[07:26] - Self-Love and Humility
[10:07] - The Danger of Boasting
[11:56] - Recognizing Warning Signs in Others
[14:50] - The Form of Godliness Without Power
[16:25] - The Weight of Spiritual Responsibility
[19:21] - Guarding Against Wildfire and False Influence
[22:17] - Final Exhortation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “From Such Turn Away”
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### Bible Reading
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)
> But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, what are some of the specific behaviors and attitudes that Paul warns will be common in the last days?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the main instruction Paul gives about people who have “a form of godliness but deny its power”? ([14:50])
3. What examples does the pastor give of “wildfire” or false spirituality that can show up even in the church? ([15:07])
4. How does the pastor describe the difference between earthly and heavenly mindsets? ([04:35])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul (and the pastor) emphasize the importance of turning away from certain people, even if they are people we love or have history with? What is at stake if we ignore this instruction? ([08:39])
2. The sermon mentions that not everyone who “talks God” or uses spiritual language is truly walking in the Spirit. How can believers discern the difference between true and false spirituality? ([19:21])
3. The pastor says that depending on the Holy Spirit is something learned over time, not something that happens instantly. Why might it be difficult for people to rely on the Holy Spirit instead of their own strength? ([05:19])
4. What does it look like, practically, to “guard the fellowship” against false influence or “wildfire”? How might this play out in a real church setting? ([19:21])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon warns about the dangers of self-centeredness and pride. Are there any relationships in your life where you see these traits—either in yourself or others? How do you think God wants you to respond? ([07:26])
2. The pastor says, “If you’re hanging around folks that are not bringing value into your life, you better leave them alone.” Is there someone in your life who is pulling you away from God? What would it look like to set a healthy boundary? ([08:39])
3. When was the last time you tried to handle a difficult situation in your own strength instead of relying on the Holy Spirit? What could you do differently next time? ([05:19])
4. The message talks about “wildfire” and people who bring confusion or counterfeit spirituality. Have you ever experienced this in a church or Christian group? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it? ([15:07])
5. The pastor says that true godliness is marked by humility, not show. In what areas of your life do you struggle with wanting to be noticed or praised? How can you practice humility this week? ([10:07])
6. The sermon challenges us to make hard choices for the sake of holiness, even if it means letting go of familiar or comfortable relationships. Is there a relationship or habit God is asking you to surrender for your spiritual health? ([08:55])
7. The pastor warns that as God moves, there will be more “wildfire” and false influence. How can you personally help protect the purity and unity of your church or small group? ([19:21])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for discernment, courage to make hard choices, and a heart that seeks humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Pray for protection over your group and church from false influences and for the strength to stand for truth.
Devotional
Day 1: Perilous Times in the Last Days
The Bible warns that in the last days, perilous times will come, marked by chaos, broken relationships, and spiritual challenges. These times are not just distant prophecies but present realities that disrupt our lives, families, and communities. The forces of darkness are active, seeking to distract and discourage those who are committed to God. Yet, believers are called to recognize these signs and remain steadfast, knowing that the nearness of Christ’s return makes vigilance and faithfulness all the more urgent. [00:11]
2 Timothy 3:1-5 (ESV)
But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you see the signs of these perilous times affecting your faith or relationships, and how can you bring this to God in prayer today?
Day 2: Relying on the Holy Spirit, Not the Flesh
Many are accustomed to handling life’s problems in their own strength, but true victory comes from learning to depend on the Holy Spirit. This reliance is not instant; it is cultivated over months and years as believers surrender control and trust God’s guidance, especially when life feels overwhelming. The Holy Spirit encourages, lifts up, and brings believers out of situations that seem impossible, teaching them to let go of self-sufficiency and embrace divine help. [05:19]
Romans 8:26 (ESV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Reflection: In what specific situation today can you choose to stop striving in your own strength and instead ask the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you?
Day 3: The Company You Keep Matters
Relationships have a profound impact on spiritual growth. Surrounding yourself with people who are grounded in God’s truth brings encouragement and value, while keeping company with those who are self-centered, boastful, or unspiritual can lead to trouble and spiritual decline. Scripture instructs believers to turn away from those who exhibit destructive behaviors, even if they are close friends or family, and to seek relationships that build up faith and character. [07:40]
Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
Reflection: Is there someone in your life whose influence is drawing you away from God? What step can you take today to set healthy boundaries or seek out godly relationships?
Day 4: True Godliness Versus a Form of Godliness
It is possible to appear godly outwardly while denying the true power of God in one’s life. Genuine faith is not about religious performance or self-edification but about humble submission to God’s Spirit and living in holiness. Believers are cautioned to discern between authentic spiritual life and mere appearances, being careful not to be deceived by those who talk about God but do not live by His power and truth. [14:50]
Matthew 7:15-16 (ESV)
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Reflection: How can you discern today whether your actions and attitudes are rooted in true godliness or just outward appearance?
Day 5: The Cost and Responsibility of Spiritual Growth
As God entrusts more to His people, the responsibility and spiritual burden increase. Seeking more of God is a serious commitment that brings both blessing and challenge, including a greater sensitivity to spiritual unrest and a heavier burden for others. Believers are urged to count the cost before asking for deeper spiritual experiences, understanding that with greater revelation comes greater accountability to God and to the community of faith. [16:25]
Luke 12:48b (ESV)
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Reflection: What is one area where God is calling you to greater responsibility or spiritual maturity, and how will you respond to that call today?
Quotes
I have experienced in my life some very troubling times. You in your life have experienced some troubled times where our friend network broke down or it collapsed. our family relationships broke down or collapsed. We're When you are all the way in with God, you are going to face the persecution of the forces of darkness. [00:02:03]
When you're all in and you're talking and praying and loving on God every day, perless times are going to invade your what I call your happy zone. Amen. Where it's going to disrupt your day. It could come from your children, your grandchildren, your husband or wife. [00:02:45]
Because the forces of darkness which are Satan know that his time is near. Yes, the time is near. Let me say that again. The time is near. It is nearer now than it's ever been. with the election of this pope recently, Leo. [00:03:14]
Just because you're getting a hallelujah does not mean God is present or in the tabernacle. Amen. Amen. And we as individuals we have to keep in mind that we are heaven our our knowledge and our forethought is with heavenly things and not earthly things. [00:04:10]
Most of the time we stay in earthly things and earthly things control our every minute of every hour of every day earthly things. But if we get into the heavenly realm in our thinking, uh, then we can overcome and we do not get upset as fast. [00:04:35]
We're so used to having to handle everything on our own that we really have not been taught properly how to depend on the Holy Spirit of God to encourage you, to lift you up and bring you out of those situations that have caused you so many problems because you've been so used to having to have to work a thing on your own. [00:05:07]
It takes months and years of an individual moving into the things of God to be able to rely on the Holy Spirit when all hell breaks loose. Amen. Amen. And let me tell you this, and I'll be the bearer of the news today. Hell is going to break loose. Yes, it is. Amen. [00:05:52]
You must be hanging with the right folks. Amen. or the right people. Uhhuh. The upper echelon would say, not folks, we country here, nor eastern North Carolina. But your relationships need to be surrounded with people that are grounded in the things of God. [00:06:41]
If you're surrounding yourself with people because you're depending on them for financial blessings, you're dependent on them to help you because somehow you can't help yourself. You will find yourself in trouble, trouble, trouble, trouble. Jesus, the word of God teaches this. [00:07:02]
I'm in love with God because at the end of the day, God is the one that's going to see me through and walk me into the pearly gates of glory. Not my wife, not my best friend, not anybody's ever given me a dollar in my life. It's going to be God. [00:08:04]
You can't run after someone that does not want to be caught. Amen. And you can do all in your power to bring about a change, but unless they end it, it's up to them. Amen. But there are people that love themselves. [00:09:00]
When you carry yourself in a way that is holy, you don't have to say anything. Amen. When you carry yourself in a way that is holy, Jesus, you don't have to say anything. You need to what? from such turn away that they have that proud spirit. [00:11:26]
The Lord right here in verses 1-5 of 2 Timothy chapter 3 is giving us simple instructions. These are warning signs and they could be folks you love. These are giving us warning signs of what we need to do and what we don't need to do. [00:12:04]
You cannot help people that will not listen and those that run and you can't catch them. Amen. You cannot help people that will not listen and run and you can't catch them. [00:14:28]
We need to turn away from people here in 2 Timothy 3:es 1-5. We need to turn away from people that have characteristics that they are lovers of their own selves. They're boasters. They're proud. They're unholy. They're without natural affection. They're despisers of those who are good. [00:17:49]
Everything you hear is not of God. Even though they may talk God, they're not of God. Listen to me. it. They may talk God. They may speak in tongues, but they are m many are not of God. Amen. Amen. Amen. And we need to be ready. [00:19:26]
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