DARK TIMES DEMAND RESPONSES (ESPECIALLY FROM BELIEVERS)

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 people will react in a certain way.
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 telling us about what will happen as we get closer to
the return of Jesus Christ, wouldn’t you agree?

With that though in mind, let’s consider what we told about
the impact on the gospel when ‘the time will come’. What does
it mean to ‘turn their ears away from the truth’? It means the
world is winning the hearts and attention of the people, right?

Look at what happens:
    – They have no interest in hearing any type of sound doctrine.
    – They have no interest in hearing the truth,
      (because it conflicts with their desires).
    – They do have an interest listening
      to people saying what ‘their itching ears want to hear’.
    – They want to hear others saying that it is okay to
      continue fulfilling their own desires (Example: “Just do it!”).
    – They aren’t interested in someone 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”
    – They would much rather hear someone say,
          “Do what you want to do and follow my advice in order to be
            happy and get the wealth to continue chasing your own dreams!”
    – Some are even attracted to myths
          (which are traditional stories concerning the early history of a
           people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and
           typically involving supernatural beings or events – they sound
           true, but they are actually false).

We might say to ourselves,
    “I see what the scriptures say, but could that really happen?”
Yes it can, and it is happening today as we witness ‘the great
decline’ in worship attendance, by people who are unsaved,
and also by those professing to be followers of Jesus Christ.

Some people want to believe in something or someone, but many
are choosing ‘wide open and crooked’ over ‘straight and narrow’.
Why? Because it matches up better with their selfish and natural
desires. However, it does not give them assurance of an eternity
with the Lord.

Of course, this creates both a challenge and a hardship for those
who have been called by God to commit themselves to sharing the
gospel with the masses. It raises the question,
    “How should they react to this shift of focus by so many people?”

Paul gives simple and straightforward advice to teachers and preachers
of the gospel. He says that no matter how dismal it looks when sharing
God’s Word, don’t panic. He also advises them to exercise patience and
to endure the hard times that are caused by an increasing lack of interest
in hearing what God wants to communicate to the people He created and
loves (and especially those who are followers of His Son, Jesus).

Paul says to continue sharing the gospel as evangelists
(which are the people who are dedicated to leading people
to the Christian faith through public teaching and teaching),
and to continue fulfilling the purpose for which God has
called them. Unfortunately, many in the ministry are
becoming very discouraged by the lack of interest from
the unsaved and saved (aka Christians), and they are
leaving the ministry field.

ACTION:
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 best fits your current lifestyle? Would others describe
you as someone interested in the gospel, or someone who is
part of the ‘great decline of worship’?

From the impact of ‘the time will come’, we can understand the
the importance of supporting those in the ministry. Supporting
them financially is important, but encouraging them is of equal
importance. When is the last time you have said an encouraging
word to a pastor, or teacher? Have you ever sent them card, email,
or text, with words of appreciation and encouragement?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I am disappointed to see people losing interest
in Your Word. The scriptures tell me that this will happen, but it is
painful to witness. I understand the challenges and discouragements
faced by teachers and preachers of Your gospel. Teach me to be a
better encourager to those You have called for this purpose. Make
me aware of any changes I need to make in order to avoid losing
my desire to listen to Your Word proclaimed. May my heart sing
Your praises, even when everything around me seems dark”.

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