2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV)
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
Apostle Paul spoke prophetically about that time which should be apparent to all, and that TIME has come. In his charge to Timothy and us, Paul emphasizes the paramount importance of continuing the redemptive work of Christ against the impressive background of the watching heavens. As leaders in the church, we are charged to preach the Word, adhering strictly to what the Scriptures say and not what they do not say. We are not to teach what is socially acceptable to be accepted ourselves. Our teachings must align with what God has declared as sin, which must be preached accordingly, and what He has declared righteous must also be preached accordingly. Deviating from this mandate can lead people away from the truth and cause many to be condemned at Jesus’ coming. However, Christians of today will NOT put up with those who teach the raw truth correctly because they are hungry for fake prophecies, miracles, and the list goes on. They intentionally turn from hearing the truth and appoint teachers who will speak what they want to hear. They enjoy places where more pulpit time is devoted to storytelling, jokes, and illustrations that will send them to hell than the exposition of the Word.
The devil is determined to undermine the church and water down the Word of God, so his agents are assigned to churches to preach raw lies to the congregation for their itching ears. These agents systemically call good that which the Word of God calls evil. Many preachers today choose not to teach the raw truth, which is the Word of God, to satisfy the world for the fear of losing membership. They forget the Bible says, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” False prophets are out there deceiving and being deceived. They lure unsuspecting people, including believers, away from the truth and are motivated by what to eat and the allure of earthly riches. But they will never escape the judgment of God! 2 Peter 2:1-3 “But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction to themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. In their greed, they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed.” Many Christians today have turned their backs on sound and wholesome teaching and are after prophets, prophetesses, and other mediums to satisfy their itching ears. Some have been persuaded not to sit under sound Bible teaching(the raw truth) that will awaken them. We have believers who will instead like or make comments on fake stuff on social media but will see the raw truth and ignore it. What a shame!!!
Beloved, my counsel to you today is never to be obsessed with healing, miracles, prophecies, etc. Depart from teachers and the rest who are there to satisfy your itching ears. Only follow Sound and Wholesome Teachings(the WORD OF GOD). Do not limit yourself to fixed times and familiar places, for all times and places are under God’s jurisdiction and are suitable for His work. Satan will not hesitate to use any time or place to cause destruction. Therefore, you should take advantage of every opportunity to be an instrument of salvation for someone. When human hearts are open, seeking, longing, and hurting, that is precisely the place and opportunity to preach the Word. Proclaim the good news, the raw truth. Remember, the life-changing Gospel is the soundest of Good News.
O LORD, forgive me for following teachers who were just there to satisfy my itching ears. I fully surrender to You. Instill in me Your Word in Jesus’ Name.