The concept of difficult times in the last days is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, particularly in the New Testament. This theme is often associated with moral decay, spiritual deception, and societal upheaval, which are seen as signs preceding the return of Jesus Christ. The Berean Standard Bible provides several key passages that outline these prophetic warnings.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, provides a vivid description of the moral and spiritual conditions that will characterize the last days:
"But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

This passage highlights a decline in moral values and an increase in selfishness and godlessness. The warning to "turn away from such as these" suggests a call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to avoid being influenced by the prevailing immorality.

Matthew 24:4-14
In the Olivet Discourse, Jesus Himself speaks of the signs of the end times, warning His disciples of deception and tribulation:
"Jesus answered, 'See to it that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. At that time many will fall away and will betray and hate one another, and many false prophets will arise and mislead many. Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold. But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.'" (Matthew 24:4-14)

This passage emphasizes the global scale of the tribulations and the spiritual challenges believers will face, including deception by false prophets and widespread persecution. The perseverance of the faithful and the global proclamation of the gospel are underscored as critical elements during these times.

1 Timothy 4:1-2
Paul also warns Timothy about spiritual deception in the last days:
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." (1 Timothy 4:1-2)

This passage highlights the spiritual apostasy that will occur, with individuals turning away from the truth to embrace false teachings. The imagery of seared consciences suggests a deep moral and spiritual insensitivity that characterizes these times.

2 Peter 3:3-4
The Apostle Peter also addresses the skepticism and mockery that will arise in the last days:
"Most importantly, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. 'Where is the promise of His coming?' they will ask. 'Ever since our fathers fell asleep, everything continues as it has from the beginning of creation.'" (2 Peter 3:3-4)

Peter warns of the dismissive attitude towards the promise of Christ's return, with scoffers questioning the validity of prophetic promises. This skepticism is linked to a lifestyle driven by evil desires, further illustrating the moral decline of the era.

Revelation 13:16-17
The Book of Revelation provides a prophetic vision of the economic and societal control that will be exercised in the last days:
"And the second beast required all people small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark—the name of the beast or the number of its name." (Revelation 13:16-17)

This passage describes a future scenario where allegiance to a global authority, symbolized by the "mark of the beast," becomes necessary for economic participation. This prophecy is often interpreted as a warning against compromising one's faith for material survival.

These passages collectively paint a picture of the last days as a time of significant moral, spiritual, and societal challenges. Believers are called to remain vigilant, discerning, and faithful amidst these trials, holding fast to the hope of Christ's return.