Written on June 15, 2017
As believers, we are not ignorant of the truth that there are things we must endure as we walk daily with Christ. It is common knowledge that the things we must endure are temptation from the devil and persecution from the world. There has been plenty of encouragement and exhortation to the end of hanging in there when it comes to facing such challenges. Yet there is one area that is often overlooked and sometimes misunderstood with regard to experiencing the challenges of the Christian life, and that is the area of sound doctrine.
The Apostle Paul, being very much aware of the condition of man, shares words with Timothy directing him in how he is to handle the Word of God. In II Timothy chapter four verses three and four Paul writes, “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.”
It is difficult for many to think of sound doctrine as something to be endured for we, as followers of the way, conduct our lives according to this very doctrine; or at least we should. Doctrine that is sound is doctrine that is without error. For people not to endure is an indication of their unwillingness to continuously receive truth. It is not said that people will not put up with false doctrine. It is the doctrine that is right and without error that many will not be able to live through.
The scripture has embedded in it the implication that there was a time when this very sound doctrine was accepted. However, over time, people will not be able to hold up under what was once received with joy. Over time many will begin to entertain their lusts of desiring to hear something different, though what they want may still be the Word of God. There are many who come to church to hear a word that encourages, uplifts, and causes them to feel good. What is often missed are the words of Paul to Timothy just prior to verses three and four when he says that he is to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all long suffering. If all scripture is truly inspired by God, then all scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness; not just for encouragement. Sometimes it will hurt.
What will happen is that they will soon reject truth all together and turn to hearing fables which translated means speeches and stories. There are times when a good story will impact the lives of believers. The church today is ripe with men and women who are great story tellers who have the ability to relate to and connect with believers on a very personal level. There is room for encouraging words that work to uplift spirits. Never-the -less, the entirety of the Word of God cannot be supplanted nor compartmentalized because it is not what the people came to hear. Jesus himself even said that he did not come to share what he wanted. Rather, what the father has spoken, that is what he must speak. People didn’t always like it, but he had to say it. So hang with me y’all and don’t faint. For we will all receive a reward if we endure to the end.
Written by: Pastor Earon Hill
Build Ministries 