BIBLE PASSAGE:
For the time will come when people 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 their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep
your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist,
discharge all the duties of your ministry.
(2 Timothy 4:3-5)
MEDITATION:
When the scriptures use the terminology “the time will come”,
what do you think it means? It could mean that the longer the
world exists, the more likely more people will react as described
in the rest of the verse.
Or, it could mean that the closer we get to the return of Jesus,
there is a higher probability that people will lose their interest
in the gospel.
In 2 Timothy, we see that “the time will come” is followed
by “to suit their own desires”. It sounds like the scriptures
are making us aware of what we can expect to see as the
the return of Jesus Christ gets nearer, wouldn’t you agree?
With that thought in mind, let’s consider what we told about
the impact on the gospel when ‘the time will come’. What is
the term ‘turn their ears away from the truth’ referencing? It
means the world is winning the hearts and attention of a huge
number of folks, right? The gospel is ‘truth’ and many do not
want to hear the truth.
Look at what happens:
– People will have no interest in hearing any type of sound doctrine.
– People will have no interest in hearing the truth,
(because it conflicts with their sinful desires).
– People will have a keen interest in listening those
saying what ‘their itching ears want to hear’.
– People will want to hear others saying that it is okay to
continue fulfilling their own lusts (Example: “Just do it!”).
– People will not be interested in a person God has called saying,
“Sure you may have a desire to do certain things,
but they are wrong, and they can keep you from
enjoying an eternal paradise at the end of your life.”
– People would much rather hear a message that says,
“Do what you want to do and follow my advice
so you will be happy and attain wealth so you
can continue chasing your dreams of the good life!”
– Some people will even be attracted to myths
(traditional stories concerning the early history
of a group of people, or the explanation of some
natural or social phenomenon, which typically
involves supernatural beings or events; they are
stories that are widely believed as true, but they
are actually false).
We might say to ourselves,
“I have read what the scriptures describe
what will happen when ‘the time will come’,
but could that really happen?”
Yes it can, and it is happening today as we witness ‘the great
decline’ in worship attendance, by not only the unsaved, but
also those professing to be followers of Jesus Christ.
Many people want to believe in something or someone, but few
are choosing the ‘straight and narrow’ which leads to eternal life,
instead of the ‘wide open and crooked’ which leads to eternal pain.
Why? Because the theology of an undisciplined and unbridled
lifestyle aligns much better with selfish and natural desires. But,
the bad news is – those who choose to live this way will have no
assurance of an eternity with the Lord.
The attractiveness of this ‘please yourself’ mentality, creates
both a hardship and a challenge for those God has called to
commit themselves to share God’s Word with the masses. It
raises the question,
“How should disciples of Jesus react
to this shift of focus by so many people?”
Paul provides us with simple and straightforward advice for those
carrying the gospel to the world in need of Jesus. He says that no
matter how dismal it looks when sharing God’s Word, don’t panic
(“keep your head in all situations”).
He also advises those who belong to the Lord’s family to exercise
patience and endure the hard times that are caused by people who
have an increasing lack of interest in what God wants to say to the
people He created and loves (and especially those who are followers
of His Son, Jesus).
Paul encourages us all to share the gospel as God’s evangelists.
Sharing the love of God and how He has changed our lives is
not restricted to those who have committed to a full-time life
of serving the Lord (pastors and missionaries).
As members of God’s family, we are all considered to be His
disciples with a ‘story to tell’ others about Jesus. Paul says
followers of Jesus should “do the work of an evangelist” and
continue fulfilling what God has called us to do (”discharge
all the duties of your ministry”).
Unfortunately, many in the ministry are becoming very
discouraged by the lack of interest from the unsaved and
saved (aka Christians), and it is causing them to leave the
ministry field.
ACTION:
Consider:
– What attracts you more,
‘hearing God’s truth’,
or hearing that
‘it is okay to do what you want to do’?
– Which of the two choices fits best with your current lifestyle?
– Would others describe you as someone interested in the gospel,
or someone who is part of the ‘great decline of worship’?
– Can you name some sinful things
you have given up as a follower of Jesus?
– Are there some things you should give up,
but are still holding on to (and have justified as okay)?
When we see how the world will change when ‘the time will come’,
we can understand the importance of supporting those in full-time
ministry. Supporting them financially is important, but encouraging
them is equally important.
– When is the last time you have said an encouraging
word to a pastor, missionary, or teacher?
– Have you ever sent one of them a card, email, or text,
with words of encouragement and appreciation?
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I am disappointed to see how people are
losing interest in Your Word. The scriptures tell me this will
happen, but it is painful to witness. I understand how pastors,
missionaries, and teachers can be discouraged by the challenges
they have as our world grows darker. Show me how to be better
at encouraging those You have called for these purposes. Make
me aware of any changes I need to make in my own life so I can
avoid losing my desire to listen to Your Word proclaimed. I pray
that my heart will sing Your praises, even when everything around
me seems dark, and that I will be an active disciple of Yours for
pointing others to Your Son, Jesus.”
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