“Know this, that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Tim. 3:1 NKJ).
Sometimes it is easier to understand a word when we see how it is used elsewhere in scripture. This is the case with the word translated here as perilous. In the Greek it is chalepos (khal-ep-os’) which has to do with the idea of reduced strength, difficulty, danger, stress, and hardship.
The only other time chalepos is used in the New Testament is in describing the condition of the two Gadarean demoniacs. In Matthew 8:28 they are said to be exceeding fierce. Other translations render this phrase “violent,” “dangerous,” “furious,” and “hard to deal with.”
To be forewarned is to be forearmed. This verse actually tells us how to prepare for the last days. It is not a word meant to discourage or unnerve us, nor to give us the idea that we are going to be run over by a demonized world. On the contrary, the Bible deals with principles of practical, victorious Christian living.
Here Paul is simply saying that in the last days believers will have to face a “chalepos” time. The same spirit will be running amok in the world that was controlling the two Gadarean men. But the good news is that Jesus met those men and took authority over the evil within them. He cast out the violent and furious spirit and then went on with His ministry of peace and reconciliation.
We Christians are not told that we will never have to face demonic opposition. We are told to “get tough,” to put on our spiritual armor, to fight the good fight of faith, and to win battles in the name of the Lord!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.