• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"They will not endure sound doctrine..."

Text: 2 Timothy 4:3

DANGERS AFOOT

The Apostle Paul had acquired much wisdom over the years through practical personal experience in ministry. He was also privileged to be given special revelation from the Lord so that he could foresee certain dangers that would arise to threaten the church and individual believers. With deep concern Paul wrote to give needed warning to Timothy.

“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.”

2 Timothy 4:3

1. “For the time will come”

a) Paul was writing prophetically.

b) There were already indications that “the time” had arrived.

c) As we carefully read the Scriptures we cannot but be concerned that Paul’s warning has come to pass.

2. “They will not endure sound doctrine”

a) “Sound doctrine”

i) A reference to Biblical teachings.

ii) A reference to what the Lord Jesus and His apostles taught.

iii) The word “sound” means “true and healthy”.

b) “They will not endure”

i) The false teachers had already abandoned the teachings of the Lord and His apostles.

ii) They had begun to form their own teachings and passing them off as true doctrines.

iii) They will have followers who will not “endure” sound doctrine.

c) The word “endure”

i) It describes people who do have the patience to acquire sound doctrines.

ii) They will not give “patient attention” to the study of God’s word.

iii) They prefer quick and easy doctrines.

iv) The false teachers knowing this exploit it to their advantage.

(This observation of the Apostle Paul well describes this deadly problem today!)