TELL THE PEOPLE THE TRUTH

PROCLAMATION

“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.”  2 Timothy 4:3-4 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to provide him with directions and instructions. (1 Timothy 1:2)  In this fourth and final chapter of his second letter to Timothy, Paul tells him to preach The Word in season and out of season. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)  He says that there will come a time when people will not want to hear it, but he should continue to preach it. (2 Timothy 4:3-5)  Paul states that the time of his death is near, and that he has kept the faith.  He knows that there is a crown waiting for him in heaven. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)  Paul asks Timothy to come to him as soon as he can.  He states that only Luke is still with him, all of the others who had travelled with him have left him. (2 Timothy 4:9-13)  He warns Timothy about Alexander the metal-worker, who had done him great harm. (2 Timothy 4:14-15)  Then he asks God to forgive those who deserted him.  He says God stood by him and gave him strength and allowed him to preach to the Gentiles. (2 Timothy 4:16-18)

 

APPLICATION

Preachers are to preach The Word of God in good times and bad times.  All of us are to speak the truth, and to tell people about the gospel, but some people will not want to hear it.  They will only want to hear what they want to hear; that which makes them feel good or that which agrees with their corrupt sentiments or sinful lusts.  When we meet resistance to God’s Holy Word, we are not to argue with them.  We are to just shake it off like we shake the dust off of our shoes and keep on stepping for The Lord God will deal with them. (Matthew 10:14, Mark 6:11, and Luke 9:5)  Let us make sure that when we speak that we are telling the people the truth and not just telling them only what they want to hear.