How to live in the last days, Part 1

2 Timothy 4:3 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears"

The Apostle Paul warns Timothy that there will come a time when people will not tolerate sound, divine teaching; but because of their lustful desire will follow after teachers that will tickle ears by preaching and teaching things that justify lustful, selfish living. They will even twist the Word of God to do it.
 
The most popular verses and messages people love to hear are those relating to personal blessings and possessions. But the unpopular verses and messages are those relating to separation, sacrifice, and surrender. People love to hear about the love of God, but when it comes to the Holiness of God and the righteousness of God they shy away. People love to hear about what God has sacrificed for them, but when it comes to sacrificing something for God it is hard to the ears. You will notice the loudest Amen’s are when we pray giving thanks for our food, but when a message is given on fasting it is usually shot down as a religious tradition that is only practiced by legalistic religious people. 

The Christ-like life is all about Sacrifice and Surrender to the will of God. The whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation is all about living to submit to the ways of God and striving to be like God.  

Proverbs 6:23 “… and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:”
 
We are living in that “time” – the time when fewer and fewer people want to hear convicting and challenging messages, and instead labeling them as negative preaching. They are more comfortable in hearing positive messages that only appeals to fleshy and carnal nature. However, God gives us a reason why people turn away their ears from sound divine teachings. 
 
2 Timothy 4:3 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts…”
 
They give in to their lustful ways. Instead of fearing God, obeying the Scriptures, and changing their ways, they would rather listen to a teacher that changes the Word of God to fit their comfortable, unholy lifestyle. They love themselves too much; so therefore they despise preaching that challenges them to live fully and wholeheartedly for God. They are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.
 
Paul is encouraging Timothy and every preacher not to change the message to fit-in with people’s lifestyle, but rather to PREACH THE WORD as it is.
 
2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 

Someone once said “We preach the Bible as it is; to men and women as they are.” “In season, out season…” At all times, and in every season, just PREACH THE WORD! whether people want to hear or don’t, whether you feel like it or don’t, JUST PREACH THE WORD as it is; and we as listeners that are disciples and students of the Word must endure sound, divine teachings that are the whole counsel of God’s HOLY Word.  1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 “Quench not the Spirit. Vs 20 Despise not prophesyings.”

Philippians 3:18-21 "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: vs 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) vs 20  For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: vs 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."