Something to Think About
24/01/10 11:07
Paul writes a warning
to Timothy that in the latter days people would not
put up with the sound doctrine of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. “In the presence of God and of Christ
Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in
view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you
this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season
and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage
–with great patience and careful instruction.
For a time will come when men will not put up with
sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires,
they will gather around them a great number of
teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn away from the truth and turn aside to
myths.” 2Tim.4:1-4
I think we make a big mistake when we only apply this warning to those we think are sitting under modern day theologians and have all but replaced the Word of God with their own vain imaginations. Sure, we can clearly see the fallacies of the prosperity message and the power of positive thinking messages, and every other doctrine that displaces the authority of Jesus Christ. If we are in a Bible-believing Church that the Pastors clearly hold to the truths of God’s Word, we feel safe enough. But are we? Paul tells us that there are some who gather around them, a great number of teachers who will teach them what their itching ears want to hear. I wonder what he meant by “a great number”? Do you not know, that when you listen to someone’s word of instruction, that they have just become a teacher of sorts? Maybe it’s just for a particular thing, but never the less, when you follow their word of instruction they have become your teacher. For instance, I know my Brother John Eckelberry is very knowledgeable in plumbing, heating and things of that nature. When he instructs me about these things, he becomes my teacher in these particular areas. When people want to know about the Bible and applying it to their daily lives, they ask me, and I become their teacher, in this particular way. (That is, if they listen! )
But sometimes people don’t listen to the sound doctrine of the Bible because it’s too hard to adhere to. They would rather slack off on some of the harder sayings and live something a little easier. I have often instructed unmarried couples not to live together. But because it is easier to do so, they get instruction from other places that either condone it or say something appealing like, “God understands your situation.” Here’s one for you: The Bible says that, “He who is born of God does not continue in sin. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” 1John 3:6 But now you have Christian brothers and sisters telling you that we all sin everyday and everyone sins a little bit. This is just what people who want to hold on to a little of their sinful nature long to hear. It allows them to sin a little bit because, after all, everyone sins because no one is perfect. The sound doctrine of the Bible says that if anyone is born of God they cannot go on sinning, because God’s seed remains in him. I think those “teachers” who say that Christians sin everyday, are themselves trapped by sin. Or else they are looking for an excuse to continue in some sinful way. If I was instructing someone on how to live as a Christian, I think I would be very careful that what I said lined up with the sound doctrine of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. These “great number of teachers” that Paul speaks about come in all shapes and sizes; they can be your brother, sister, friend or parent. They can be closely related to you, or just someone you have seen on television. So dear friends let’s us make sure that our calling and election is sure. Let us possess the qualities and virtues that the Word instructs us in and the Spirit bears witness to. Let us throw off everything that so easily entangles us to this world and run the race with perseverance –keeping our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ!
Have a God blessed week. Pastor Jim
I think we make a big mistake when we only apply this warning to those we think are sitting under modern day theologians and have all but replaced the Word of God with their own vain imaginations. Sure, we can clearly see the fallacies of the prosperity message and the power of positive thinking messages, and every other doctrine that displaces the authority of Jesus Christ. If we are in a Bible-believing Church that the Pastors clearly hold to the truths of God’s Word, we feel safe enough. But are we? Paul tells us that there are some who gather around them, a great number of teachers who will teach them what their itching ears want to hear. I wonder what he meant by “a great number”? Do you not know, that when you listen to someone’s word of instruction, that they have just become a teacher of sorts? Maybe it’s just for a particular thing, but never the less, when you follow their word of instruction they have become your teacher. For instance, I know my Brother John Eckelberry is very knowledgeable in plumbing, heating and things of that nature. When he instructs me about these things, he becomes my teacher in these particular areas. When people want to know about the Bible and applying it to their daily lives, they ask me, and I become their teacher, in this particular way. (That is, if they listen! )
But sometimes people don’t listen to the sound doctrine of the Bible because it’s too hard to adhere to. They would rather slack off on some of the harder sayings and live something a little easier. I have often instructed unmarried couples not to live together. But because it is easier to do so, they get instruction from other places that either condone it or say something appealing like, “God understands your situation.” Here’s one for you: The Bible says that, “He who is born of God does not continue in sin. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” 1John 3:6 But now you have Christian brothers and sisters telling you that we all sin everyday and everyone sins a little bit. This is just what people who want to hold on to a little of their sinful nature long to hear. It allows them to sin a little bit because, after all, everyone sins because no one is perfect. The sound doctrine of the Bible says that if anyone is born of God they cannot go on sinning, because God’s seed remains in him. I think those “teachers” who say that Christians sin everyday, are themselves trapped by sin. Or else they are looking for an excuse to continue in some sinful way. If I was instructing someone on how to live as a Christian, I think I would be very careful that what I said lined up with the sound doctrine of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. These “great number of teachers” that Paul speaks about come in all shapes and sizes; they can be your brother, sister, friend or parent. They can be closely related to you, or just someone you have seen on television. So dear friends let’s us make sure that our calling and election is sure. Let us possess the qualities and virtues that the Word instructs us in and the Spirit bears witness to. Let us throw off everything that so easily entangles us to this world and run the race with perseverance –keeping our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ!
Have a God blessed week. Pastor Jim
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