The Coming Rebellion.2 Timothy 4:3-4.
For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
Dear Joint Heirs with Christ,
Paul’s reason for the solemn charge to Timothy is the threat of a rebellious generation that will reject “sound teaching.” With such people, Timothy’s gentle diplomacy simply would not work.
Posture (v. 3a). The coming rebellious generation will take a stand against the truth and will reject its teaching. Those who teach the truth of the Bible will be looked upon as either irrelevant, outdated, or simply offensive.
Preference(v. 3b). People will not only reject the truth, but they will also gather around themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. Paul calls this condition “itching ears.” It is amazing how easily false teachers gain popularity. The sinful nature wants to hear lies, not the truth. No wonder Paul is telling Timothy to be firm.
Perversion (v. 4). The rebellious generation will go a step further. They will abandon the truth and “wander off into myths.” Some preachers are very good at creating scenarios that look convincing. By twisting the truth of the Bible, they make lies look like the truth. They manufacture stories that convince their gullible hearers that they are from God. Beware! If it is not in the Bible, do not build what you believe around it.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.