Challenging times are a recurring theme in Scripture, with warnings about “perilous times.” Let’s explore what the Bible means by this and what it says about staying strong in faith amid hardship.
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What Does The Bible Say About Perilous Times
2 Timothy 3:1
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.”
This verse warns us that in the last days, there will be perilous times characterized by great difficulty, challenges, and distress.
In this perilous state, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our faith and hold fast to God’s promises, knowing that He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Matthew 24:12
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”
This verse highlights the spiritual peril of the last days, warning that the love and empathy of many will diminish due to the prevalence of wickedness and evil in the world.
As followers of Christ, we must guard our hearts against growing cold and instead strive to cultivate love, compassion, and kindness in the face of increasing darkness.
2 Timothy 3:2-5
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.”
This passage paints a vivid portrait of the perilous times to come, outlining the various characteristics and actions that will be prevalent in people’s lives.
It serves as a reminder for us to remain vigilant and discerning, ensuring that we do not fall into the traps of selfishness, materialism, pride, and ungodliness. We should strive to live a life that reflects true godliness, aligning our actions with our faith in Christ.
2 Peter 2:1
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.”
This verse warns about the presence of false teachers who will propagate destructive and misleading teachings, seeking to lead believers astray from the truth of God’s Word.
We are reminded to be discerning and to test every teaching against the Scriptures, remaining rooted in the truth of Christ and not being swayed by false doctrines.
Matthew 7:15
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
This verse emphasizes the need for discernment in identifying false prophets who may appear harmless on the outside but are inwardly deceitful and dangerous.
We are called to be vigilant and to rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in discerning the true intentions and teachings of those who claim to be prophets or spiritual leaders.
Matthew 24:24
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
This verse warns us that false messiahs and prophets will attempt to deceive even the elect, displaying signs and wonders that may seem convincing.
It serves as a reminder to anchor our faith in the unchanging truth of God’s Word and to rely on the discernment of the Holy Spirit to navigate through the perilous times and avoid being led astray.
2 Peter 3:3-4
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.’”
This passage highlights the presence of scoffers in the last days who mock and ridicule the belief in Christ’s second coming and choose to follow their own sinful desires.
As believers, we are encouraged to stand firm in our faith, knowing that God’s promises are true, and to not be influenced by the skepticism and mockery of those who reject the truth.
Revelation 2:20
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.”
This verse addresses the danger of false teachings and the compromise of moral values through Jezebel, symbolizing deceptive influences that lead Christians astray into immorality and idolatry.
We are reminded of the importance of discernment and the need to resist conformity to worldly practices and teachings that contradict God’s Word.
2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
This passage warns about the coming of the man of lawlessness who will oppose God and attempt to exalt himself to the point of proclaiming himself as God.
It reminds us to be alert, not to be deceived, and to remain steadfast in our devotion to the true God, recognizing His sovereignty above all else.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
This verse emphasizes the danger of people, in the perilous times, choosing to follow false teachings that align with their selfish desires rather than embracing the sound doctrine of God’s Word.
We are encouraged to hold fast to the truth, being mindful of the temptation to seek teachings that merely please us rather than challenge and transform us.
Matthew 24:9
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”
This verse warns about the persecution that believers will face in the last days, due to their faith in Christ.
It serves as a reminder that following Christ may come at a cost, but we should stand firm in our faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty and the eternal reward that awaits us.
1 Peter 4:12-13
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
This passage encourages believers not to be dismayed or surprised by the trials and tribulations they may face, as they serve to refine and test their faith.
We are reminded to rejoice in the midst of suffering, knowing that we are deeply connected to Christ and that our participation in His sufferings will lead to ultimate joy and the revelation of His glory.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
This passage urges believers to be watchful and vigilant, recognizing the spiritual warfare that surrounds them.
We are called to resist the schemes of the devil, standing firm in our faith and finding strength in the knowledge that we are not alone, but part of a global community of believers who endure similar sufferings.
Mark 13:13
“Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
This verse forewarns that believers will face hatred and opposition because of their association with Christ.
It reminds us of the importance of standing firm in our faith until the very end, trusting in God’s ability to save and deliver us from the trials we may face.
2 Corinthians 12:10
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
This verse highlights the paradoxical nature of strength in the face of adversity and weakness.
It reminds us that, as believers, our strength does not come from our own abilities but from our reliance on Christ, who empowers us to endure and overcome even in the most perilous times.
John 16:33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
This verse assures believers that, although they will face trouble and tribulations in the world, they can find peace and solace in Christ.
It reminds us to take courage and find hope in the victory that Christ has already won, knowing that He is greater than any perilous times we may encounter.
1 John 4:4
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
This verse declares the authority and power of God within believers, stating that they have already overcome the challenges and influences of the world through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
It encourages us to draw strength and confidence from our identity as children of God and to rely on His power to navigate through the perils of this world.
Romans 8:37-39
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This passage affirms the overwhelming victory that believers have in Christ, stating that nothing can separate them from the unfailing love of God.
It reminds us that, regardless of the challenges or perils we face, God’s love and presence are constant and secure, enabling us to triumph in all circumstances.
Psalm 46:1-3
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
This psalm reassures us of God’s constant presence and protection, even in the midst of upheaval and chaos.
It encourages us to find solace and security in God, eliminating fear, and trusting in His unwavering strength to navigate through the perilous times we may face.
Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
This passage reminds us that when we abide in the presence of God, we find refuge, rest, and complete trust in His protection.
It encourages us to seek solace and security in the shelter of the Most High, knowing that He is our ultimate stronghold in the midst of perilous times.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse offers comfort and assurance to believers, reminding them of God’s constant presence and support.
It encourages us to surrender our fears and worries to God, trusting in His unfailing strength and assurance that He will uphold and sustain us through every trial and perilous time.
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
This verse serves as a source of strength and courage, reminding believers that God is always with them, regardless of the circumstances.
It calls us to walk in boldness and confidence, trusting in God’s unwavering presence and promise to never leave or forsake us, even in the face of perilous times.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
This well-known verse highlights the unwavering assurance and comfort of God’s presence, even in the midst of the darkest and most perilous times.
It encourages us to rely on God’s guidance and protection, finding solace in His comforting presence, knowing that He will lead us through any valley we may face.