“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 ESV).
We can gain a better understanding of this passage if we take some time to look at its constituent elements. We can begin by noting that Paul the Apostle was well-acquainted with the first characteristic mentioned in these verses: “…the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (KJV). For instance, the subject of Jesus’ death and resurrection brought the following responses from a group of intellectual leaders when Paul visited the ancient city of Athens…
“As soon as the people heard Paul say that a man had been raised from death, some of them started laughing. Others said, ‘We will hear you talk about this some other time'” (Acts 17:32 CEV).
While this dismissive attitude was partially reflective of Paul’s era (and every subsequent era to a greater or lesser extent), it will assume a more dominant role as we draw closer to the end of this human era. This message parallels a similar theme from Paul’s first Biblical letter to Timothy…
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV).
While 1 Timothy 4:1-2 references false teachers and the forces behind them, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 tells us that there is culpability on the part of their listeners as well. You see, those who will not accept sound Biblical instruction provide fertile soil to heretical teachers. They also face increased vulnerability to deception, fraud, and falsehood.
Unfortunately, there are some who prefer to listen to a spiritual message that corresponds with their attitudes and beliefs rather than conform their attitudes and beliefs to God’s Word. As mentioned previously, the supply of those who are willing to offer such messages will always rise to meet that demand as long as it exists.
From an alternate perspective, a person who conveys sound Biblical teaching should not be distressed if that teaching fails to resonate with others. While it is our responsibility to make the Word of God accessible within our circle of influence, there will always be some (or perhaps many) who will not endure sound doctrine. We’ll see why people will not endure sound teaching next.