In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, we read, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people” (ESV). (All emphasis is mine.)
In the very next chapter, we read, “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).
Today, we’re hearing of more and more so-called pastors who are “tweaking” messages that are intended to ensure the audiences leave with a good feeling about their current lifestyles. Never mind that no true Bible backs what they are saying. It came from the persons in the pulpit, so it must be true – right? Just keep the seats and collection plates filled.
Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 is what we all should strive for. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Please understand that there is no one today who is sinless, and this includes even the most “righteous-appearing” people. There has only ever been one sinless human to live on this earth, and He will be the only one all the way to the end of this earth’s existence.
Romans 3:10: “As it is written, none is righteous, no not one.” Going to Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And this is further explained in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.”
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In the very next chapter, we read, “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).
Today, we’re hearing of more and more so-called pastors who are “tweaking” messages that are intended to ensure the audiences leave with a good feeling about their current lifestyles. Never mind that no true Bible backs what they are saying. It came from the persons in the pulpit, so it must be true – right? Just keep the seats and collection plates filled.
Paul’s statement in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 is what we all should strive for. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me the Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
Please understand that there is no one today who is sinless, and this includes even the most “righteous-appearing” people. There has only ever been one sinless human to live on this earth, and He will be the only one all the way to the end of this earth’s existence.
Romans 3:10: “As it is written, none is righteous, no not one.” Going to Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23 tells us, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And this is further explained in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast.”
Right On Schedule :: By Dennis Huebshman
In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, we read, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of
www.raptureready.com
