Reading: 2 Timothy
4: 3-4
“For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound
doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers
to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and
wander away to myths.”
We are not really surprised by this verse when we consider today’s
culture. Sadly.
Publicly between advertisements, politics, and social media it is
almost impossible to hear truth spoken. Partial truths, perhaps, innuendo
certainly, but honest truth is too rare. And when it is shared opponents have a
way of vilifying and shredding the integrity behind it.
Historically our churches at large too often fall into the power lure
as well and preach only partial scripture, or consider only limited ways in
which the precept should be applied. And through the centuries the legalism and
control have wounded countless believers.
The Jewish leadership took God’s Ten Commandments and by Jesus’ time
had added over 600 addendums to it, putting a terrible weight on the people
struggling to uphold the law. And the leadership was not pleased when Jesus
kept poking holes in their religiosity.
In Acts 17:11, Paul encouraged the Bereans in their integrity because
when they heard the gospel they went directly to the scriptures to certify its
truth. In its whole passage. Not just filtered excerpts. And here in Timothy
the warning continues.
Not only do we have scripture but the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide
us. We have a responsibility to recognize deceit in all the areas of our lives
so that we can stand firm in truth that heals and restores, unifies and
uplifts, embraces and shares together. Not to pursue or ignore self-centered
doctrine that pretends to be truth.
Lord, please give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to follow
Your words, Your way.
Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:2
“This life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and
declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to
us.
