2 Timothy 4 - The Time is NOW

As a forewarning, today’s discussion is harsh, but the truth, please listen. Verses 3 and 4 further expand on yesterday’s discussion. “3For the time will come when men 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. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” This, yet again, is happening now.

It appears that, in society today, you can find any excuse or reason to justify your own self gratifications. “I’m an alcoholic because my parents were alcoholics”, “I rob and steal because no one ever gave me a fair break”, “I tell a little gossip because the people have a right to know”, “There is no devil or hell”, “I’m pretty good, God will understand, I don’t have to be saved, I’ll go to Heaven.” Any of these sound familiar? Just as Paul prophesied, the world will denounce sound doctrine and truth to turn to people who will say the lies and myths that they want to hear, to justify their lifestyles and desires.

Here is what God will understand, His Word and Doctrine. Romans 3:23“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”. Not a few, some, or even most, but ALL have sinned. There is no amount of “good deeds” that can save you; you simply can’t pay the price necessary for your sins.

However, God loves us enough to do it for us through Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, Jesus is the only way to God. John 14:6 says “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” Jesus is the only way!

Also, regardless of what “myth” you’ve heard, we will all be held accountable for our own actions. Romans 14:10-12 “10…For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written:" 'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'” 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Therefore, no matter how we justify ourselves through thoughts, excuses, or even teachings of lies, we will be held accountable for OUR OWN actions. Whether you believe it or not, you will be judged and, without Jesus, there is hell to pay, literally.

I’m not belittling situations in people’s lives, quite the contrary, I’m trying to help. Yes it is tough to do differently than what you’re parents did, or what your friends support, or what society as a whole maintains, but it is not impossible. Jesus can and will help you change, He loves you and is waiting on you to come to Him. He is always ready with open arms, regardless of what you have done, He loves you and is ready to forgive.

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me, a terrible sinner, enough to die for my sins. Thank you God for Your Word and Truth that I may be forgiven and cleansed of my sins and all unrighteousness by the blood of Jesus. Thank you Jesus, for entering and ruling my life that I may be saved and my life changed, so I may live with You forever. Please help me to spread Your word to others who need You, so they may also be saved, all for Your glory. Amen