Second Timothy 4:3 (AMP) says, “For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold.”
When we read this verse, it should sadden all of us. It is stating that there will be a time when many will want to hear only what makes them feel good and not hear the truth, the Bible. These people will listen to “teachers” who will just make their ears content. They will turn away from truth by rejecting Jesus and will choose to conform to the ways of the world. Here are a few things I have seen and heard from some pastors, priests, and other religious leaders.
False Doctrine:
• Jesus isn’t the only way to heaven.
• The Bible is too old, and it needs to catch up to the times we live in.
• It will be okay to take the mark of the beast.
• Do whatever feels good.
• Denial of the Trinity.
• There is no hell.
True Doctrine:
• Jesus is the only way to heaven (John 14:6).
• The Bible is the inspired Word of God, is alive and active, and is profitable for teaching as well as reproof (Hebrews 4:12 and 2 Timothy 3:16). As the times change, which they will, this just proves the importance of being rooted in the Bible and following its truths (Daniel 7:25 and John 17:17).
• It will not be okay to take the mark of the beast. If one does, they will be tormented, and that torment will be in hell (Revelation 14:9–11).
• Truth does not stand on feeling; truth stands on what the Word of God says (2 Timothy 2:22 and John 17:17).
• We have one God made of three persons. God is the Father (1 John 3:1–2 and Ephesians 4:6). God is Jesus (John 1:1, 4). God is the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3–4). Matthew 28:19, Isaiah 48:16, and 1 Peter 1:1–2 also confirm the Trinity.
• Hell is real. Jesus warns us of hell—eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41–46).
What are some things we can do to prepare so we don’t fall into false doctrine? Here are a few steps we can take to be able to distinguish between truth (the Bible) and false doctrine. We have to be reading the Bible. The only way we can differentiate truth versus untruth is by being in the Word. We need to be studying and soaking in it. If it is difficult for you to get into the Word of God, I would recommend starting with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Even if it is a chapter a day, it is better than nothing. Over time I believe your reading of the Bible will increase and your passion to learn the Word will grow. The enemy is trying to groom all of us to a point where evil is good and good is evil (Isaiah 5:20). This is scary, but it is happening already and will continue to happen. Preparing for this has to be now—it can’t wait. Our lives depend on it. Let’s stand up for truth (the Bible) and grow together. We are a team, and let’s help each other out. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV).
