The Righteous Are Taken Away, No Man Layeth It To Heart

The Righteous Are Taken Away And No Man Layeth It To Heart

TEXT: Isaiah 57:1-5

Sunday AM Message – 09/2025

I.            The World

[no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away] Verses 1-2 speak of the righteous being destroyed and the ungodly not taking it to heart or understanding the blessed end of the godly.

b [taken away from the evil to come] Four blessings of the righteous at death:

1. They are taken away from the evil sufferings to come (Isa. 57:1).

2. They enter into eternal peace (Isa. 57:2).

3. They rest from their sufferings.

4. They continue to walk uprightly even in the life to come.

Notes For Verse 3

a [draw near hither] The ungodly of Judah were commanded to draw near to hear God's indictment of them (Isa. 57:3-12).

Twenty Sins of the Wicked

1. They are addicted to sorcery (Isa. 57:3),

2. Adultery -- disregarding marriage contracts; full of licentiousness

3. Sport selves -- live in mockery of God and religion (Isa. 57:4)

4. Wide mouth -- live in contempt of others (Isa. 57:Ps. 22:7,13)

5. Live in open rebellion (Isa. 57:4)

6. Unfaithful and false

7. Burning lusts -- inflaming selves (Isa. 57:5)

8. Idolatry

9. Murder of children by sacrificing them to idol gods (Isa. 57:5; Lev. 20:2-5; 2Chr. 28:3; 33:6; Jer. 7:31)

10. Worship of stone pillars or monuments made from smooth stones (Isa. 57:6)

11. Commit fornication upon the mountains in worship of idols (Isa. 57:7)

12. Erect idols and worship them even in the home (Isa. 57:8)

13. Consecrate themselves to gods other than Jehovah

14. Increase adulterous practices with idol worshipers

15. Make covenant with idols

16. Provide places for such adulterous worship of idols

17. Make alliances with other nations who are idolaters (Isa. 57:9-10)

18. Use perfumes to make themselves more agreeable with the harlots who are consecrated to serve idols by giving their own bodies to others (Isa. 57:9)

19. Degrade themselves to the lowest depths of sin, even to hell

20. Live in fear, lying, and rebellion against Jehovah without serious consideration of the outcome (Isa. 57:11)

b [doubtful] Greek: meteorizo (GSN-<G3349>), to raise in mid-air, suspend, fluctuate, be anxious, or be carried about as meteors moved about with the currents, tossed up and down between hope and fear. The rebuke concerns the heathen who superstitiously seek guidance by meteors, planets, signs of the zodiac and all the magic and witchcraft and traffic with demons in the name of astrology, etc., which are condemned by Scripture.

Twelve Forbidden Practices

1. Enchantments -- practice of magical arts (Ex. 7:11,22; 8:7,18; Lev. 19:26; Dt. 18:10; 2Chr. 33:6; 2Ki. 17:17; 21:6; Isa. 47:9,12; Jer. 27:9; Dan. 1:20) Lk. 12:29). Enchantments were used to inflict evil, pains, hatred, sufferings, and death, or to bring good, health, love and other blessings.

2. Witchcraft -- practice of dealing with evil spirits (Ex. 22:18; Dt. 18:10; 1Sam. 15:23; 2Chr. 33:6; 2Ki. 9:22; Mic. 5:12; Nah. 3:4; Gal. 5:19-21)

3. Sorcery -- same as witchcraft (Ex. 7:11; Isa. 47:9,12; 57:3; Jer. 27:9; Dan. 2:2; Mal. 3:5; Acts 8:9-11; 13:6-8; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15)

4. Soothsaying -- same as witchcraft (Isa. 2:6; Dan. 2:27; 4:7; 5:7,11; Mic. 5:12)

5. Divination -- the art of mystic insight or fortunetelling (Num. 22:7; 23:23; Dt. 18:10-14; 2Ki. 17:17; 1Sam. 6:2; Jer. 14:14; 27:9; 29:8; Ezek. 12:24; 13:6-7,23; 21:22-29; 22:28; Mic. 3:7; Zech. 10:2; Acts 16:16)

6. Wizardry -- same as witchcraft. A wizard is a male and a witch is a female who practices witchcraft. Both were to be destroyed in Israel (Ex. 22:18; Lev. 19:31; 20:6,27; Dt. 18:11; 1Sam. 28:3,9; 2Ki. 21:6; 23:24; 2Chr. 33:6; Isa. 19:3)

7. Necromancy -- divination by means of pretended communication with the dead (Dt. 18:11; Isa. 8:19; 1Sam. 28; 1Chr. 10:13)

8. Magic -- any pretended supernatural art or practice (Gen. 41:8,24; Ex. 7:11,22; 8:7,18-19; 9:11; Dan. 1:20; 2:2,10,27; 4:7,9; 5:11; Acts 19:19)

9. Charm -- to put a spell upon (same as enchantment, Dt. 18:11; Isa. 19:3)

10. Prognostication -- to foretell by indications, omens, signs, etc. (Isa. 47:13)

11. Observing times -- same as prognostication (Lev. 19:26; Dt. 18:10; 2Ki. 21:6; 2Chr. 33:6)

12. Astrology and star gazing -- divination by stars (Isa. 47:13; Jer. 10:2; Dan. 1:20; 2:2,10; 4:7; 5:7-15)

All the above practices were and still are carried on in connection with demons, called familiar spirits. All who forsook God and sought help from these demons were to be destroyed (Lev. 19:31; 20:6; Dt. 18:11; 1Sam. 28; 2Ki. 21:6; 23:24; 1Chr. 10:13; 2Chr. 33:6; Isa. 8:19; 19:3; 29:4. See 1Tim. 4:1-8; 2Th. 2:8-12; Mt. 24:24; Rev. 13; 16:13-16; 19:20).

II.           The Wrath Of God Is Revealed Against Such

a [For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven] The wrath of God is also revealed in the gospel as part of God's righteousness.

 [wrath of God] This phrase is found ten times in Scripture (Rom. 1:18; Ps. 78:31; Jn. 3:36; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; Rev. 14:10,19; 15:1,7; 16:1).

c [against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men] This is what God's wrath is against. In Rom. 1:18-32 Paul proves the utter ungodliness of the Gentile world and its deserving God's wrath. In Rom. 2:1 -- Rom. 3:8 he proves that the Jews are also ungodly and deserving of God's wrath.

In Rom. 3:9-20 he sums up the case of both Jews and Gentiles, proving the whole world guilty.

d [ungodliness] Greek: asebeia (GSN-<G763>), impiety; no reverence for God or sacred things; irreligious (2Tim. 2:16; Tit. 2:12; Jude 1:18).

e [unrighteousness] Greek: adikia (GSN-<G93>), all wrongdoing; immorality; wickedness of heart and life (Lk. 18:6; Rom. 1:18,29; 2:8; 6:13).

f [hold the truth in unrighteousness] Hold down, suppress; imprison; bridle.

Notes For Verse 20

a [For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made] Verse 20 explains Rom. 1:19. All invisible things, even the eternal power and Godhead, are clearly seen by the visible things of creation. See Dt. 29:29.

b [eternal] Greek: aidios (GSN-<G126>), twice (Rom. 1:20; Jude 1:6).

c [Godhead] Greek: theiotes (GSN-<G2305>), Deity. Only here.

d [without excuse] No excuse for people to be ignorant of the invisible things. Same word in Rom. 2:1.

Romans 1:21

a [knew] Greek: ginosko (GSN-<G1097>), to know by experience (Jn. 1:48; 1Jn. 5:20; Eph. 5:5).

b [they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations] They made God a mystery and gave the people images of all kinds (Rom. 1:23).

c [imaginations] Greek: dialogismos (GSN-<G1261>), reasonings. Substituted foolish concepts of God, and fooled themselves.

Romans 1:23

a [uncorruptible] Greek: aphthartos (GSN-<G862>). Here; 1Cor. 9:25; 15:52; 1Tim. 1:17; 1Pet. 1:4,23; 3:4.

b [corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things] Images of people, birds, cattle, dogs, crocodiles, frogs, and snakes are common among all idolaters. Such idolatry has been the root of all the abominable immoralities of the heathen. The idols have been the patrons of licentiousness (Rom. 1:23-32). When they formed their gods in human shape they endowed them with passions and represented them as slaves to disgraceful sexual perversions and as possessing unlimited powers of sexual gratification.

Romans 1:24

a [gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves] God permitted them to give themselves over to homosexual sins and similar perversions.

b [uncleanness] Greek: akatharsia (GSN-<G167>). A scriptural term for homosexuality and other sexual perversions of men and women (Rom. 1:24; 2Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Th. 4:7; cp. 2Pet. 2:10).

Romans 1:25

a [changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator] Established idolatry for the true worship; a lie for the truth; and worshiped creatures more than the Creator. Idols are called "lies" in Isa. 44:20; Jer. 10:14; 13:25.

Romans 1:26

a [For this cause God gave them up] Because of the apostasy of Rom. 1:21-25.

b [vile] Greek: atimia (GSN-<G819>), vile (Rom. 1:26); shame (1Cor. 11:14); reproach (2Cor. 11:21); and dishonour (Rom. 9:21; 1Cor. 15:43; 2Cor. 6:8; 2Tim. 2:20).

c [affections] Greek: pathos (GSN-<G3806>), affections (Rom. 1:26; Col. 3:5) and lusts (1Th. 4:5). Vile affections are passions of infamy and shame.

d [natural use into that which is against nature] This is lesbianism -- unnatural, homosexual relations between women.

Notes For Verse 27

a [leaving the natural use of the woman] This is sodomy or homosexuality (Gen. 8:21; 19:5; Lev. 20:13; Dt. 23:17; 1Ki. 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; 2Ki. 23:7; Joel 3:3; Eph. 5:4; 2Tim. 3:3,13; 2Pet. 2:7-22; Jude 1:7-19).

b [burned in their lust] Greek: ekkaiomai (GSN-<G1572>), were inflamed.

c [unseemly] Greek: aschemosune (GSN-<G808>), indecent.

d [receiving] Greek: apolambano (GSN-<G618>), receiving back in full.

e [recompence] Greek: antimisthia (GSN-<G489>), retribution.

f [error] Greek: plane (GSN-<G4106>), wandering -- wrong action, wickedness. Here; Mt. 27:64; Eph. 4:14; 1Th. 2:3, note; 2Th. 2:11; Jas. 5:20; 2Pet. 2:18; 3:17; 1Jn. 4:6; Jude 1:11. Both men and women weakened and debilitated their bodies by unnatural prostitutions, so that they received in themselves the penalties of their wickedness.

Romans 1:28

a [God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient]

Three Things God gave them up:

1. To dishonor their bodies (Rom. 1:24).

2. To vile affections in their souls (Rom. 1:26).

3. To reprobate minds (Rom. 1:28).

b [reprobate] Greek: adokimos (GSN-<G96>), reprobate (Rom. 1:28; 2Cor. 13:5,6,7; 2Tim. 3:8; Tit. 1:16); rejected (Heb. 6:8); and castaway (1Cor. 9:27). Christ is not in reprobates.

c [convenient] Greek: katheko (GSN-<G2520>), fit; proper (Acts 22:22).

Notes For Verse 29

a [Being filled with all unrighteousness ...]

Twenty Stages of World Apostasy

1. They did not glorify God (Rom. 1:21).

2. They became unthankful (Rom. 1:21).

3. They were vain in their imaginations (Rom. 1:21).

4. They became dark in their hearts (Rom. 1:21).

5. They professed to be wise (Rom. 1:22).

6. They became fools (Rom. 1:22).

7. They changed God's glory (Rom. 1:23).

8. They dishonored their bodies (Rom. 1:24).

9. They changed the truth to a lie (Rom. 1:25).

10. They worshiped creation as God (Rom. 1:25).

11. They served creatures, not God (Rom. 1:25).

12. They submitted to vile passions (Rom. 1:26).

13. Women became lesbians (Rom. 1:26).

14. Men went into sodomy (Rom. 1:27).

15. They rejected knowledge of God (Rom. 1:28).

16. They became reprobate in mind (Rom. 1:28).

17. They were completely perverted sexually (Rom. 1:28).

18. They were filled with iniquities (Rom. 1:29-31).

19. They despised the coming judgment.

20. They gloried in wickedness (Rom. 1:32).

III.         The Apostate Church – 2 Tim 3:1-8, 4:1-3

The Last Days:

[perilous times shall come ...] The 2nd New Testament prophecy in 2Timothy (2Tim. 3:1-5, being fulfilled). Next, 2Tim. 3:12. Greek: chalepos (GSN-<G5467>), hard; difficult; grievous. Translated "fierce" in Mt. 8:28.

2 Tim 3:2

a [for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy] Thirty characteristics of wicked Men:

1. Lovers of themselves (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: Philautos (GSN-<G5367>), fond of oneself; selfish. Only here

2. Covetous (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: philarguros (GSN-<G5366>), fond of money. Only here and Lk. 16:14

3. Boasters (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: alazon (GSN-<G213>), braggarts; self-exalted. Here and Rom. 1:30

4. Proud (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: huperephanos (GSN-<G5244>), self-important. See note, Rom. 1:30

5. Blasphemers (2Tim. 3:2). See note, Mt. 12:31

6. Disobedient to parents (2Tim. 3:2). Head-strong children (2Tim. 3:2; Rom. 1:30)

7. Unthankful (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: acharistos (GSN-<G884>), ungrateful. Here and in Lk. 6:35

8. Unholy (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: anosios (GSN-<G462>), without piety; no reverence.

9. Without natural affection (2Tim. 3:3). Living in unnatural affection sins; perverts; homosexuals; sodomites. Rom. 1:31

10. Trucebreakers (2Tim. 3:3). Rom. 1:31

11. False accusers (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: diabolos (GSN-<G1228>), slanderer; adversary. Jn. 6:70; 8:44

12. Incontinent (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: akrates (GSN-<G193>), no control of appetites and passions. Only here

13. Fierce (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: anemeros (GSN-<G434>), wild; savage; uncivilized. Only here

14. Despisers of good men (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: aphilagathos (GSN-<G865>), unfriendly to good men. Only here

15. Traitors (2Tim. 3:4). Greek: prodotes (GSN-<G4273>), betrayers. Only here; Lk. 6:16; Acts 7:52

16. Heady (2Tim. 3:4). Greek: propetes (GSN-<G4312>), rash; hasty; reckless; headstrong. Translated "rashly" in Acts 19:36

17. Highminded (2Tim. 3:4). Greek: tuphoo (GSN-<G5187>), senseless; conceited; silly. See note, 1Tim. 3:6

18. Lovers of pleasure (2Tim. 3:4). Sensual gratification is their god (2Tim. 3:4)

19. Having a form of godliness (2Tim. 3:5). Greek: morphosis (GSN-<G3446>), a semblance; sketch; form. Only here and Rom. 2:20. Their religion is only in their creed and formal confession of faith, not in their hearts

20. Denying the power of godliness (2Tim. 3:5). Destitute of godliness, having no faith that one can be godly in this life. From such turn away

21. Use their show of piety to gain entrance into homes to deceive (2Tim. 3:6)

22. Capture for their own pleasure silly (foolish) women whom they deceive (2Tim. 3:6)

23. Ever learning fallacies but never the knowledge of the truth (2Tim. 3:7)

24. Resist truth (2Tim. 3:8)

25. Have corrupt minds (2Tim. 3:8)

26. Reprobate concerning faith (2Tim. 3:8)

27. They are evil (2Tim. 3:13).

28. They seduce women -- entice them to surrender chastity (2Tim. 3:6,13).

29. They increase in evil (2Tim. 3:13).

30. They deceive and are themselves deceived (2Tim. 3:13).

2 Tim 3 8

a [Jannes and Jambres] The names of the magicians who withstood Moses and exercised satanic power until stopped by God (2Tim. 3:8-9; Ex. 7:11-12,22; 8:7,18-19).

Fourteen End-Time Expressions

1. Latter times -- last years ending this age before the Millennium (1Tim. 4:1)

2. Latter years -- Armageddon and the end of this age (Ezek. 38:8,16)

3. Latter days -- the future tribulation (Num. 24:14; Dt. 4:30; 31:29; Jer. 23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Dan. 2:28; 10:14)

4. Latter day -- Millennium (Job 19:25)

5. Latter days -- Millennium (Hos. 3:5)

6. Last days -- end of this age preceding the Millennium (Dan. 8:19; 2Tim. 3:1; Jas. 5:3; 2Pet. 3:3; Jude 1:18)

7. Last day -- the rapture, at least seven years before the Millennium and second advent (Jn. 6:39,40,44,54; 11:24.)

8. Last days -- the tribulation period or last seven years of this age (Acts 2:16-21)

9. Last days -- first coming (Heb. 1:1-2)

10. Last times -- first coming (1Pet. 1:20)

11. Last time -- apostolic times and the whole church age (1Jn. 2:18)

12. Last time -- second coming (1Pet. 1:5)

13. Last days -- Millennium (Gen. 49:1; Isa. 2:1; Mic. 4:1)

14. Last day -- end of the Millennium (Jn. 12:48; cp. Rev. 20:7-15)

1 Tim 4:1-4

 [some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils ...] The first New Testament prophecy in 1Timothy (1Tim. 4:1-5, fulfilled and still being fulfilled). Next, 1Tim. 6:14.

the Spirit—speaking by the prophets in the Church (whose prophecies rested on those of the Old Testament, Da 7:25; Da 8:23, &c. Da 11:30, as also on those of Jesus in the New Testament, Mt 24:11-24), and also by Paul himself, 2Th 2:3 (with whom accord 2Pet 3:3; 1John 2:18; Jude 1:18).

expressly—"in plain words." This shows that he refers to prophecies of the Spirit then lying before him.

in the latter times—in the times following upon the times in which he is now writing. Not some remote future, but times immediately subsequent, the beginnings of the apostasy being already discernible (Ac 20:29): these are the forerunners of "the last days" (2Ti 3:1).

depart from the faith—The apostasy was to be within the Church, the faithful one becoming the harlot. In 2Th 2:3 (written earlier), the apostasy of the Jews from God (joining the heathen against Christianity) is the groundwork on which the prophecy rises; whereas here, in the Pastoral Epistles, the prophecy is connected with Gnostic errors, the seeds of which had already been sown in the Church [Auberlen] (2Ti 2:18). Apollonius Tyanæus, a heretic, came to Ephesus in the lifetime of Timothy.

giving heed—(1Ti 1:4; Titus 1:14).

seducing spirits—working in the heretical teachers. 1John 4:2, 3, 6, "the spirit of error," opposed to "the spirit of truth," "the Spirit" which "speaketh" in the true prophets against them.

doctrines of devils—literally "teachings of (that is suggested by) demons." Jas 3:15, "wisdom... devilish"; 2Cor 11:15, "Satan's ministers."

Seven Things Incited by the Mystery of Iniquity

1. Departing from the faith (1Tim. 4:1). Greek: aphistemi (GSN-<G868>), to put away; remove; separate; to revolt from. Translated "depart from" (1Tim. 4:1; Lk. 2:37; 4:13; 13:27; Acts 12:10; 15:38; 19:9; 22:29; 2Cor. 12:8; 2Tim. 2:19; Heb. 3:12); "refrain from" (Acts 5:38); "fall away" (Lk. 8:13); and "withdraw" (1Tim. 6:5). It is possible to depart from the faith and apostatize if such passages are true. No man can depart from something that he is not in or does not have. All men do not have faith (2Th. 3:2). Only men of that class would find it impossible to depart from faith for they have no faith to depart from. Men are warned to take heed, lest their hearts become evil and unbelieving and cause them to depart from God (Heb. 3:12).

2. Giving heed to seducing spirits (1Tim. 4:1). Greek: planos (GSN-<G4108>), leading astray. Translated "seducing" (1Tim. 4:1) and "deceiver" (Mt. 27:63; 2Cor. 6:8; 2Jn. 1:7). These are deceiving demons that seduce men. To seduce means to lead astray; draw into evil; specially to entice to surrender chastity. Demons are charged with carrying out the program of enticement to forfeit virtue or surrender chastity. This is the same as forbidding to marry (point 6, below).

3. Giving heed to doctrines of devils (1Tim. 4:1). To urge departure from the faith is the first work of demons. This results in departure from holy living, and acceptance of doctrines that will damn the soul. Men who pretend inspiration and revelation and false teachers of all kinds are the agents of demons (2Cor. 11:14-15). Every religion that denies the reality of God; Christ; the Holy Spirit; the atonement; the death and the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ; sin; sickness; Satan; demons; hell; heaven; and the other fundamental doctrines of Scripture are as much of Satan and demons as the Bible and Christianity are of God.

4. Speaking lies in hypocrisy (1Tim. 4:2). Greek: pseudologos (GSN-<G5573>), speakers of lies in pretended revelations; putting on an act of self-denial and mortification of the flesh in order to prove their false doctrines to be truth.

5. Having the conscience seared with a hot iron (1Tim. 4:2). Greek: kauteriazo (GSN-<G2743>), to sear with a red hot iron; to brand; to be seared in conscience. Only here. It means to make callous, withered, hardened, and insensible to right and wrong. It was customary in ancient times to mark criminals with a hot iron so that (according to the heathen) the infernal judges would know their vices and appoint them punishment according to their sins.

6. Forbidding to marry (1Tim. 4:3). To forbid means to prohibit, hinder, oppose, or operate against. Seducing spirits influence people to hinder and operate against wedlock by enticing them to meet the demands of the sex drive apart from the sanctity of marriage. To heed (as in "giving heed to seducing spirits," 1Tim. 4:1) means to pay attention to and act under the leadership and control of. Hence, those who satisfy their sex needs through perversions -- any of the ways contrary to what is approved by Scripture -- are under the control, more or less, of demons (Rom. 1:21-28; Lev. 20:13; Joel 3:3). This also applies to religions that discourage or forbid marriage to anyone among laymen or clergy. Marriage is honorable to all and the bed undefiled (Heb. 13:4; 1Cor. 7).

7. Commanding to abstain from meats (1Tim. 4:3). Among the heathen and even some of the so-called Christians, certain meats and food are forbidden in utter disregard of 1Tim. 4:3-4. Such unscriptural commanding under the new covenant is prompted by demons arrayed against the gospel and the liberty it provides regarding food (Gen. 9:1-7; Rom. 14:1-6).

Three Classes of Things in the World System

1.            The lust of the flesh

1. Adultery. Greek: moicheia (GSN-<G3430>), unlawful sexual relations between men and women, single or married (Mt. 15:19; Mk. 7:21; Jn. 8:3; Gal. 5:19). Note the related Greek: verbs, moichao (GSN-<G3429>) (Mt. 5:32, 19:9; Mk. 10:11-12), and moicheuo (GSN-<G3431>) (Mt. 5:27-28; 19:18; Mk. 10:19; Lk. 16:18; 18:20; Jn. 8:4; Rom. 2:22; 13:9; Jas. 2:11; Rev. 2:22).

2. Fornication. Greek: porneia (GSN-<G4202>), same as adultery above besides all manner of other unlawful relations (Mt. 5:32).

3. Uncleanness. Greek: akatharsia (GSN-<G167>), whatever is opposite of purity; including sodomy, homosexuality, lesbianism, pederasty, bestiality, and all other forms of sexual perversion (Gal. 5:19; Mt. 23:27; Rom. 1:21-32; 6:19; 2Cor. 12:21; Eph. 4:19; 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Th. 2:3; 4:7; 2Pet. 2; Jude).

4. Lasciviousness. Greek: aselgeia (GSN-<G766>), licentiousness, lustfulness, unchastity, and lewdness. Translated "lasciviousness" (Mk. 7:22; 2Cor. 12:21; Gal. 5:19; Eph. 4:19; 1Pet. 4:3; Jude 1:4); "wantonness" (Rom. 13:13; 2Pet 2:18); and "filthy" (2Pet. 2:7). Lasciviousness is the promoting or partaking of that which tends to produce lewd emotions, anything tending to foster sex sin and lust. That is why many worldly pleasures have to be avoided by Christians -- so that lasciviousness may not be committed.

5. Idolatry. Greek: eidololatreia (GSN-<G1495>), image-worship (1Cor. 10:14; Gal. 5:20; Col. 3:5; 1Pet. 4:3). Idolatry includes anything on which affections are passionately set; extravagant admiration of the heart (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5).

6. Witchcraft. Greek: pharmakeia (GSN-<G5331>), sorcery, practice of dealing with evil spirits; magical incantations and casting spells and charms upon one by means of drugs and potions of various kinds (Gal. 5:20; Rev. 9:21; 18:23; cp. Rev. 21:8; 22:15.

7. Hatred. Greek: echthra (GSN-<G2189>), enmity (Lk. 23:12; Rom. 8:7; Eph. 2:15-16; Jas. 4:4); hatred (Gal. 5:20). Bitter dislike, abhorrance, malice and ill will against anyone; tendency to hold grudges against or be angry at someone.

8. Variance. Greek: eris (GSN-<G2054>), note, Rom. 1:29. Dissensions, discord, quarreling, debating; and disputes.

9. Emulations. Greek: zeloi (GSN-<G2205>), envies, jealousies; striving to excel at the expense of another; seeking to surpass and out do others; uncurbed rivalry spirit in religion, business, society, and other fields of endeavor. Translated "zeal" (Jn. 2:17; Rom. 10:2; 2Cor. 7:11; 9:2; Php. 3:6; Col. 4:13); "fervent mind" (2Cor. 7:7); "envy" (Acts 13:45; Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; 2Cor. 12:20; Jas. 3:14-15); "jealousy" (2Cor. 11:2); "indignation" (Acts 5:17; Heb. 10:27); and "emulation" (Gal. 5:20).

10. Wrath. Greek: thumos (GSN-<G2372>), "wrath" (Gal. 5:20; Lk. 4:28; Acts 19:28; 2Cor. 12:20; Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8; Heb. 11:27; Rev. 12:12; 14:8,10,19; 15:1,7; 16:1; 18:3); "indignation" (Rom. 2:8); and "fierceness" (Rev. 16:19; 19:15). Turbulent passions; domestic and civil turmoils; rage; determined and lasting anger.

11. Strife. Greek: eritheia (GSN-<G2052>), "strife" (Gal. 5:20; 2Cor. 12:20; Php. 2:3; Jas. 3:14,16); "contention" (Php. 1:16; Rom. 2:8). Disputations; jangling; strife about words; angry contentions; contest for superiority or advantage; strenuous endeavor to equal or pay back in kind the wrongs done to one.

12. Seditions. Greek: dichostasia (GSN-<G1370>), "divisions" (Rom. 16:17; 1Cor. 3:3); "seditions, parties, and factions" (Gal. 5:20). Popular disorder; stirring up strife in religion, government, home, or any other place.

13. Heresies (Acts 5:17).

14. Envyings. Greek: phthonoi (GSN-<G5355>) (Gal. 5:21; Mt. 27:18; Mk. 15:10; Rom. 1:29; Php. 1:15; 1Tim. 6:4; Tit. 3:3; Jas. 4:5; 1Pet. 2:1) Pain, ill will, and jealousy at the good fortune or blessings of another; the most base of all degrading and disgraceful passions.

15. Murders. Greek: phonoi (GSN-<G5408>) (note, Mt. 15:18) to kill; to spoil or mar the happiness of another; hatred (1Jn. 3:15).

16. Drunkeness. Greek: methai (GSN-<G3178>) (Gal. 5:21; Lk. 21:34; Rom. 13:13). Living intoxicated; a slave to drink; drinking bouts.

17. Revellings. Greek: komoi (GSN-<G2970>) (Gal. 5:21; 1Pet. 4:3); rioting (Rom. 13:13). Lascivious and boisterous feastings, with obscene music, and other sinful activities; pleasures; carousings.

Four divisions of these sins:

1. 4 Sins of lust, nos. 1-4 (Gal. 5:19)

2. 2 sins of impiety and superstition, nos. 5-6 (Gal. 5:20)

3. 9 sins of temper, nos. 7-15 (Gal. 5:20-21)

4. 2 sins of appetite -- eating and drinking, nos. 16-17 (Gal. 5:21)

2. The lust of the eyes:

(1) Lust for women (Mt. 5:28; Job 31:1)

(2) Eyes full of adultery -- even men with men and women with women (2Pet. 2:14; Rom. 1:18-28)

(3) Covetousness (Ps. 10:8; Lk. 12:15)

(4) All things desired (Eccl. 2:10)

(5) Idolatry (Ezek. 6:9; 18:6-15)

(6) All kinds of evil (Mt. 6:23; 7:22)

3. The pride of life:

(1) Self-righteousness (Job 32:1)

(2) Positions (Gen. 3:5; Ezek. 28:11-17; 1Tim. 3:6; 3Jn. 1:9)

(3) Power (Lev. 26:19)

(4) Riches (Ps. 39:6; Ezek. 28:5)

(5) Beauty (Ezek. 28:11,17)

(6) Strength to war (2Chr. 26:16)

(7) Constant boasting of one's self; glorying in sexual activity; pleasures; and all the vanity of life (1Jn. 2:15; Ps. 24:4; 36:2; Isa. 3:16) .

2 Peter 2:3-4, Jude 1:18

1.            Follow their own lusts/desires: Their lives are driven by self-interest and personal cravings rather than God's will.

2.            Mock Christ's return: They will openly question and make fun of the promise of Jesus' coming.

3.            Deny Scripture: They reject the truths found in God's Word.

4.            Embrace skepticism: They promote doubt and disbelief regarding supernatural events and divine intervention.

5.            Promote their own views: They use witty ridicule and sophistry to persuade others to their way of thinking.

2 Peter 3:3-4:

Jude 1:18:

The presence of scoffers is not new; the Bible notes instances of mockery in the days of Noah and in other periods, but the intensity is expected to increase as the "Day of the Lord" draws nearer. 

The Spirit Of Antichrist

Anyone against Christ is antichrist. In this sense there are many (1Jn. 2:18,22; 4:3; 2Jn. 1:7), but the one referred to here is yet to come.

Fifteen Titles of the Antichrist:

1. Antichrist (1Jn. 2:18)

2. The Assyrian (Isa. 10:20-27; 30:18-33; 31:4-32:20; Mic. 5:3-15)

3. The King of Babylon (Isa. 14:4)

4. The Spoiler (Isa. 16:4, note)

5. The Extortioner (Isa. 16:4)

6. Gog, the Chief Prince of Meshech and Tubal (Ezek. 38:2-3, note)

7. The little horn (Dan. 7:8,24; 8:9,23)

8. King of Fierce Countenance (Dan. 8:23)

9. The Prince that Shall come (Dan. 9:26-27, notes)

10. The King of the north (Dan. 11:5-45)

11. The Man of sin (2Th. 2:1-12)

12. The Son of perdition (2Th. 2:1-12)

13. The Wicked (Isa. 11:4)

14. That Wicked (2Th. 2:8-12)

15. The Beast (Dan. 7:11; Rev. 13)

a [For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears ...] The 5th New Testament prophecy in 2Timothy (2Tim. 4:3-4, being fulfilled). Next, 2Tim. 4:8.

Six Last-Day Characteristics

1. They will not endure sound doctrine (2Tim. 4:3).

2. They will increase in lusts and sin (2Tim. 4:3).

3. They will add one teacher to another, or wander about from church to church to find those who will not insist on their getting rid of sins and sinful pleasures (2Tim. 4:3).

4. They will having itching ears, desire speakers who will tickle their ears and excuse their passions in the name of religion.

5. They will turn away their ears from truth which strips them of sin and demands their wholehearted consecration to Christ (2Tim. 4:4).

6. They will turn to fables and false religions that pamper the flesh and condone sin.

What We Must Do:

Be aware:

Understand that the emergence of mockers is a predicted sign of the end times.

Remain vigilant:

Study God's Word to strengthen faith and discernment against deceptive ideas.

Uphold truth:

Stand firm in their belief in Christ's promises and the truth of Scripture.

Show endurance:

Maintain hope and conduct themselves based on God's promises despite the ridicule of mockers