Enduring Sound Doctrine

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

It is written: “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; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to fables.” (II Tim. 4:3-4)

The word “endure” means to hold firm, to sustain, to bear with, and to listen to. The time of the fulfilling of this passage is most definitely upon us. The vast majority of the “religious” realm will not receive the sound doctrine of the Holy Scriptures. Without conscience they have forsaken that form of doctrine that was once delivered unto the apostles and the saints of old. Most preachers and churches have decided not to hold firm to the teachings of the Word of God. Compromise is the order of the day. They are not able to bear the firm presentation of that Word which has forever been settled in the heavens. Multitudes become agitated and even angry when they hear the words of the Lord Jesus, the prophets, and the apostles. Religionists cannot bear an honest presentation of the Word of God.

The words “itching ears” refer to the fact that their hearing is lusting to be tickled. For an unrepentant sinner the raw Word of Truth cuts into the heart, sets fire to the conscience, and an inferno of rage boils within him. He cannot bear the hearing of sound doctrine. His ears despair to hear soothing words of flatteries and fables from teachers void of understanding. He prefers ten thousand spinners of stories than to hear the voice of one man of God. The crushing words of the truth of God’s Word are more than an unregenerate sinner can abide under. He turns to fictitious tales that fill him with empty hopes and dreams. These pet his self-esteem and serenade his heart and conscience into a stupor of empty emotions of blissfulness.

Rare indeed in these days are those who love and treasure the sound teaching of the Word of God. Few there be that walk the pilgrim’s path of truth and righteousness. These savor, “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:103-105) These hold firm and are sustained by the sound doctrine of the Word of God, and despise perversions and tickling fables.