GOT AN ITCH DONT SCRATCH For the time

GOT AN ITCH? DON’T SCRATCH!

“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. ” 2 Timothy 4: 3 -4

Christians can grow tired of sound doctrine. • Sound doctrine: healthy and wholesome teaching from the Lord • “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ” (2 Timothy 1: 13) • “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. ” (Titus 2: 1)

Christians can grow tired of sound doctrine. • Endure: holding up and bearing with • Steadfast diligence is required to hold up a message that is not always popular, nor sensational. • Its purpose is to convict consciences, convert hearts, transform deeds and save souls (2 Timothy 3: 16; Romans 1: 16).

Guard against falling from your steadfastness. • 2 Peter 3: 17, 18 • Unceasing tactics wear down a person’s firm fixedness to the truth.

Guard against falling from your steadfastness. • The Lord’s wholesome teaching: • All that has been commanded by the One who possesses all authority (Matthew 28: 18, 20). • The words which His apostles and prophets have written (1 Corinthians 4: 6; 14: 37). • The apostolic traditions which have been handed down to the saints (Jude 3, 17; 2 Thessalonians 2: 15; 3: 6).

Man often desires something besides “sound doctrine. ” • All temptations are an “itch, ” and sin of every kind offers a “scratch” that temporarily gratifies. • He averts his ears so as not to hear the truth. • Going beyond what God has spoken has spiritual and eternal consequences (John 12: 48; 2 John 9).

Man often desires something besides “sound doctrine. ” • Beware of the winds of deceitful doctrines! • Men: I don’t think that our loving God will condemn me for a “little” sin. • God – Galatians 5: 19 -21; 1 Peter 4: 2 -3

Man often desires something besides “sound doctrine. ” • Beware of the winds of deceitful doctrines! • Men: They are such zealous believers of God. How can they be that bad! • God – Romans 10: 2 -3

Man often desires something besides “sound doctrine. ” • Beware of the winds of deceitful doctrines! • Men: That church is doing so many good deeds for the Lord in the community. How can that be wrong! • God – Matthew 7: 21 -23