RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-12-10	Paul Speaks of Itching Ears (2Tm.4:3-4)
		2Ti 4:3  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; 2Ti 4:4  and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. The Greek word for “itching” means “to itch, rub, scratch, or tickle.” To have one's ears tickled is to desire teaching that does not challenge spiritual growth. The phrase, “itching ears” is a figure of speech that refers to people's desires or wants. It is these desires that drive a person to believe whatever he WANTS to believe rather than the actual truth. Those with “itching ears” decide for themselves what is right and wrong. So they seek out others to support their notions. Truth is often uncomfortable. So those with “itching ears” are concerned with what feels good or comfortable. Paul is predicting that one day the church would seek after those who simply scratch their “itch.” They want teachers who will assure them all is well. For error to flourish both teacher and listener must cooperate. Someone has said that the modern pulpit is a sounding board that is merely saying back to the people what they want to hear. In Jeremiah's day the false prophets said all is well. They said, “peace, peace when there is no peace” (Je.6:14). It seems these false prophets would be in high demand today. When there is a demand for something, the suppliers are not too far away. Paul says, “they will heap up for themselves teachers” meaning there will be plenty false teachers available. These ear scratchers will steer the people away from “sound doctrine.” What does this include? They will desire messages that do not require change, repentance is outdated, saying people are basically good. They would say God is too loving to judge anyone. The cross with all that blood is not necessary. They would say God wants his children to be healthy, wealthy, and happy in this world. Paul is warning that healthy doctrine will give way to “new” and “fresher” man-made ideas. Messages that tickle the ears can fill a lot of churches, sell a lot of books, and find popularity on cable TV. Jesus experienced rejection because they thought His words were too hard to accept (Jn.6:60, 66). Joh 6:60  Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can understand it?" Joh 6:66  From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Today we see many churches that once taught truth walking away from sound doctrine. Now they teach the very evils the Bible condemns. The devil's method is to first stop the ear against sound doctrine, then open it to error. Paul's remedy for the “itching ears” is found in verse 2. 2Ti 4:2  Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. The elements needed are “preach the word”, “be ready (prepared)” and convince, rebuke, and exhort one another. The preaching must be the Word of God in context, when it is convenient or not convenient. Paul says it will take great patience and careful instruction, but sound doctrine is worth it! Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Independent and Evangelical Church

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