Do You Have Itching Ears?

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Tim. 4:1-4)

I charge: Paul underscores the importance of his command to Timothy by calling on God and Jesus to be witnesses to it. He reminds Timothy that Jesus will return in judgment (2 Tim. 4:1). Paul’s charge to Timothy is to preach the word. The foundation of any ministry is God’s Word. Preaching God’s truth is a sacred and demanding task, requiring perseverance and courage. Be ready means to take a stand. Timothy was to be alert at all times to his responsibilities, even when it was inconvenient. This type of ministry is not for a novice ( James 3:1).

longsuffering and teaching: Patience and instruction are two necessary components of an effective ministry. True spiritual growth occurs over a period of time, through consistent teaching and application of God’s Word.

"Be ready in season and out of season" means to always be ready to serve God in any situation, whether or not it is convenient. Be sensitive to the opportunities God gives you.

Paul told Timothy to "Convince, rebuke, exhort." It is difficult to accept correction, to be told we have to change. But no matter how much the truth hurts, we must be willing to listen to it so we can more fully obey God.  Are you listening to the truth of God's Word?  Are you allowing your pride and wordily views to guide you into believing false teachings?

We believe in Christ today because people like Timothy were faithful to their mission. It is still vitally important for believers to spread the gospel. Jesus is coming soon, and He wants to find His faithful believers ready for Him. It may be inconvenient to take a stand for Christ or to tell others about His love, but preaching the Word of God is the most important responsibility the church and its members have been given.  What have you done today to bring glory to God's Kingdom?

Word Focus: appearing (Gk. epiphaneia) (2 Tim 1:10; 4:1, 8; 2 Thess. 2:8; 1 Tim. 6:14; Titus 2:13) G2015: This word literally means “a shining forth” and was used in Greek literature to denote a divine appearance. The English word epiphany is a close equivalent. The New Testament writers use the word to refer to Jesus’ first coming, the time when He entered this world as a man (2 Tim. 1:10). They also use the word to speak of Jesus’ second coming, specifically to His appearance to all the world (Matt. 24:27).

As followers of Christ we must be prepared for, courageous in, and sensitive to God-given opportunities to tell the Good News. Sound teaching is essential for spiritual maturity, but will not always be tolerated. There will come a time when people will seek out teachers to tell them what they want to hear and what makes them feel good.  This is happening in our churches today.  Is the preacher of the church you attend telling you and the congregation only what makes you feel good when he preaches from God's Word?

People will turn their ears away from the truth. This is the sixth time that Paul uses the word truth in this short letter (2 Tim. 2:15, 18, 25; 3:7, 8). He had used the word five times in the first letter to Timothy (1 Tim. 2:4, 7; 3:15; 4:3; 6:5). As Paul faced execution, he was evidently concerned that his son in the faith would be tempted to depart from truth, lured by deceptive false teachers.

Father God, it is my prayer today that I continue to stay focused on your Son and the truth of the Gospel. Give me the courage to witness and share the Gospel in all seasons and not be ashamed to say that I am a Christian. Lord I continue to pray for those who are hurting and need your comfort and peace. I pray for those lost souls who have rejected You and refused to accept Your free gift of salvation. I pray for the pastor's of our churches to have the courage to continue in the faith and preach the truth even if it hurts.  Heavenly Father, continue to search my heart and soul to clear out anything that may cause me to stumble in my faith. I pray this all in Jesus' name. Amen.

References: NKJV Holy Bible, Life Application Bible (NIV), and the Nelson Study Bible.