Paul warned Timothy, In 2 Timothy 4:3-5, “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. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”
Since that time the need for such warnings has been shown time and again. Judaizing teachers sought to destroy the faith of the Galatians and others (cf. Galatians 1). The apostle John fought the damnable error of the gnostics. Other examples could be given from scripture showing the danger of the chosen of God going astray.
The pattern has been repeated time and again in the past 150 years. From the beginning of the Restoration Movement, which fractured over the introduction of the instrument of music into worship, to an introduction of Premillinial doctrine among God’s people, to Calvinistic beliefs, and on and on.
One large digression which serves to illustrate the need for such warnings is the division among God’s people over the issue of institutionalism. Some have incorrrectly contended that scripture authorizes the church support of human institutions to do the church’s work. This basic tenant has led to a wide scale digression that has seen the introduction of an unscriptural organization of the church (Sponsoring church arrangement); church sponsored recreation (Fellowship Halls and gymnasiums); a general emphasis on a Social Gospel; and, finally, the introduction of a new system of Hermeneutics (rejecting the idea that we must have authority from God’s word for all our practices). This is, effectively, a wide spread apostasy, which clearly shows Paul’s warning as needed.
Today, issues present themselves again. Issues which threaten to divide God’s chosen ones. More and more we see Christians who will not endure sound doctrine, and preachers more than willing to scratch itching ears rather than plainly proclaim the truth of God. As such, there is, as always, the need for men of God to do the work of an evangelist, fulfilling their ministry in the plain proclamation of truth.
Satan is working on many fronts. There is always the danger of digression, and today there are uncertain sounds being heard on diverse subjects. Issues surrounding fellowship, authority, morality, the marking of false teachers, and our Lord’s teaching on the subject of Divorce and Remarriage. Whenever false teaching exists on any aspect of the doctrine of Christ, there is a need for teachers to plainly proclaim the truth. To be forewarned is to be forearmed! Brethren, understand that God’s people are dividing over these issues in other places. Some are being led into apostasy by false teachers. We must not allow this to happen to us. And it will not, as the truth of God’s word is courageously proclaimed and heeded by those who love the truth.
May each of us heed the warning of the Hebrew writer, in 3:12. “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” Brethren, Beware!
