What Causes a Breakdown of Society?

  • In all of the areas in which Americans disagree, most seem to acknowledge the condition of the nation is getting worse and worse. I have repeatedly said only through a true repentance of the people will we see any significant change for the better. New leaders and new laws are not going to do it for us even though that’s what we spend all of our time fighting about.

    Paul of the Bible wrote to Timothy and warned, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” (2 Tim. 3) The most interesting part of the text is what he wrote next. He provided a simple list of human issues which would result in “perilous times” and ultimately a breakdown of society.

    He wrote, “For men shall be…

    1. lovers of their own selves
    2. covetous
    3. boasters
    4. proud
    5. blasphemers
    6. disobedient to parents
    7. unthankful
    8. unholy
    9. Without natural affection
    10. trucebreakers
    11. false accusers
    12. incontinent
    13. fierce
    14. despisers of those that are good
    15. Traitors
    16. heady
    17. highminded
    18. lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”

    Before we shout “Amen!” thinking this list describes everyone in the world but us, notice what Paul wrote next: “…Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

    The ways in which this list manifests itself in our world today is often so very subtle. I could even name churches which promote some of these very things though they have a “form of godliness” about them. Even those apart from the church will often appear sincere as they encourage these behaviors.

    Not only do we need political leaders who are absent of these qualities, we ourselves need to look into the mirror and perhaps fix certain areas of our lives and thinking. It seems our nation faces what Paul described when he said, “…Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”


    October 31st, 2011 | Jeremy Sarber | No Comments

About The Author

Jeremy Sarber

As pastor of Angier Primitive Baptist Church, I attribute my blessings and all of my successes to God’s wonderful grace. It seems only a short time ago, I was the prodigal son, wasting my substance on riotous living. By grace was I saved in more ways than one. Since then, I have been determined to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

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