THE WORLD THAT NEEDS CHANGING

2 Timothy 3: 1-9 describes the people we live among and are part of the world to which Jesus tells Christians to teach the gospel (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19,20). They are people who love themselves, love money, are boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderers, without self control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak - willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. They have depraved minds and are rejected by God and their folly is clear to everyone. They are found in high places of government, in the ghettos and slums, in prisons and jails, in good neighborhoods and bad neighborhoods. Some are teachers, lawyers, judges, preachers, Sunday school teachers, and worship leaders. Some become presidents, governors, and generals. Some are leaders of rebel bands and leaders of terrorist groups that plague the world. Some are called straight and some are perverts demanding equal rights.

The Lord says these are the characteristics of worldly people of the last days. The last days have been going on over the past 2,000 years. The Christian Dispensation is the last days. It is the last chance God is giving the people of the world to be redeemed. He has given the redeemer, Jesus Christ, who has been sacrificed for sins. He calls men to come to him to be saved and when people accept Him, (which means to believe and obey), they live a new life completely different from the sinful, worldly life. Every redeemed person is to teach and preach the gospel to the lost in this world.

1. To Get the job done we cannot compromise with the world. We are told to "Love not the world" which means the evil lusts of the flesh, lusts of the eyes, and the pride of life. (1 John 2:15-17). Here in 2 Timothy 3 after calling sins by their first names God says, "from such turn away." (3:5). He meant do not become entangled again therein (2 Peter 2:20-22). We must identify sins for what they are and do our best to convince people that Jesus died for them and wants them to turn from their evil ways. There are literally billions of people who need to be born again.

2. To get the job done we are going to have to really know the truth ourselves and be doing it. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us to "study to show yourself approved unto God." How could we ever teach the lost without really having a working knowledge of the scriptures? We need to be right with God or as it is put here be approved of God. Be sure you know what is right and obey what the Lord says to do to be saved so you will be in position to help someone else. Determine to be a workman for the Lord. There are people that each of us can impress with the true gospel that no one else could touch. These people will never know unless we carry it to them. They are so confused about what to do or just never have given it any thought and we desperately need to reach out to them. There is also this matter of "rightly dividing the word of truth." Learn about the Patriarchal Age (Genesis and Exodus). Have a working knowledge of the Mosaical Age (Exodus 20-40; Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and the rest of the Old Testament). Have a working knowledge of The Life of Christ and His lessons to His people (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Be impressed with His commission as found in Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15,16, and Luke 24:46-48. See how it is carried out in the book of Acts. See the importance of the day of Pentecost of Acts 2. Examine the conversions of the book of Acts. Study Romans through Revelation to complete the New Testament gospel message.

3. Look for opportunities to teach the gospel and encourage people to obey it. It may be while you are out shopping that the opportunity arises. Always be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 3:5,6). Set apart Christ as Lord in your heart. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect. (I Peter 3: 15). You may have to go to the prisons to find people who have made terrible mistakes and now want to change. Some go door to door. Some put advertisements in the Newspapers. The internet is a good way to teach the gospel. It is out there for all the world to see. Helping people overcome addictions is another way to teach the gospel. Visitation of the sick and having prayer with them is an invaluable service that will help lost souls to see their need of the Savior. Being involved in community affairs is another way to be among people and have the opportunity of being a good influence. The schools are wonderful opportunities to influence people for Christ. Opportunities in other countries of the world are multiplied to carry the gospel. Just be ready for every door that opens to go through it with the saving message. Pray, "Lead me to some soul today. Teach me Lord just what to say. Friends of mine are lost in sin and cannot find their way."

4. Don't ever get discouraged and quit. If you get tired and weary just go aside, rest and pray for renewal. Examine yourself as to the methods you are using and see where you could improve. It might be that you need to ask some good soul winner what would be the best route to go to have some good results. Remember it is "he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13). Remember that Jesus said, "The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of harvest, that he will sent forth laborers into his harvest." (Matthew 9:36, 37). There is someone needing you. - C. D.