PONDER THIS

There are a lot of people who don’t want sound doctrine. Paul warned Timothy about those with “itching ears.” What does that mean? It means these people turn away from the truth; they don’t want sound doctrine. Do you know what the word sound means? Sound is the word we get the word hygiene from. They don’t want spiritual hygiene. They don’t want sound doctrine. They want to hear a more convenient message, one that is customized to their desires and wishes. They want a preacher to tickle their ears, to scratch their ears, and tell them what they want to hear.

There’s a whole movement of church growth in America today that says, “Don’t stand up on Sunday morning and tell people they’re sinners. They won’t come back. Scratch and tickle their ears and say smooth things to them, and you’ll build a crowd.” So what? Jesus won’t be your best friend until He becomes your Savior and you’re born again. No, it’s not fun to stand up and tell people they’re lost. It’s not fun to preach the Word of God, but it is the truth that will set you free. (See John 8:32.)

• Do you listen to others, even when it isn’t what you want to hear? Why or why not?
• When was the last time someone spoke a word of wisdom you needed to hear but didn’t like? How did you respond?

PRACTICE THIS

Talk to a trusted friend and ask if there is any area in which you have itching ears to hear only what you want.

Unmasking False Prophets | Part 2

2 Peter 2:1-9

In this message, Adrian Rogers teaches us how to unmask false prophets to realize their presence and recognize their pretense.

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Ask God for Everything

The greatest problem in prayer is not unanswered prayer, it is unasked prayer.

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