2 Timothy 4:3
Verse
Context
Preach the Word
2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.4So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the time will come - There is a time coming to the Church when men will not hear the practical truths of the Gospel, when they will prefer speculative opinions, which either do no good to the soul, or corrupt and destroy it, to that wholesome doctrine of "deny thyself, take up thy cross and follow me," which Jesus Christ has left in his Church. But after their own lusts - For these they will follow, and hate those preachers and that doctrine by which they are opposed. Shall they heap to themselves teachers - They will add one teacher to another, run and gad about after all, to find out those who insist not on the necessity of bearing the cross, of being crucified to the world, and of having the mind that was in Jesus. In this disposition interested men often find their account; they set up for teachers, "and widen and strew with flowers the way, down to eternal ruin," taking care to soothe the passions and flatter the vices of a trifling, superficial people. Having itching ears - Endless curiosity, an insatiable desire of variety; and they get their ears tickled with the language and accent of the person, abandoning the good and faithful preacher for the fine speaker.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they--professing Christians. sound doctrine--Greek, "the sound (see on Ti1 1:10) doctrine (didascalias)" or "teaching," namely, of the Gospel. Presently follows the concrete, "teachers." after their own lusts--Instead of regarding the will of God they dislike being interrupted in their lusts by true teachers. heap--one on another: an indiscriminate mass of false teachers. Variety delights itching ears. "He who despises sound teaching, leaves sound teachers; they seek instructors like themselves" [BENGEL]. It is the corruption of the people in the first instance, that creates priestcraft (Exo 32:1). to themselves--such as will suit their depraved tastes; populus vult decipi, et decipiatur--"the people wish to be deceived, so let them be deceived." "Like priest, like people" (Kg1 12:31; Hos 4:9). itching--like to hear teachers who give them mere pleasure (Act 17:19-21), and do not offend by truths grating to their ears. They, as it were, tickle with pleasure the levity of the multitude [CICERO], who come as to a theater to hear what will delight their ears, not to learn [SENECA, Epistles, 10.8] what will do them good. "Itch in the ear is as bad in any other part of the body, and perhaps worse" [SOUTH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the time will come,.... This is a reason of the solemn charge above given: the time referred to was future, when the apostle wrote, but quickly came on; and the characters of it have appeared more or less in all ages since; and in none more than in ours: when they will not endure sound doctrine; the Gospel which contains the wholesome words of Christ, and is sound itself, having no corruption in it, and salutary in its effects to the souls of men; and yet such is the depravity of some men, both in principles and practice, that they cannot receive it, nor bear to hear it, turn their backs on it, express their indignation at it, and treat it not only with neglect, but with ridicule and contempt: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers; not being content with the ministry of one man only, or of a few, though of their own sort; but must follow many, and have heaps of them; which seems to express not only the number of false teachers which they accumulate to themselves, but the confused and indiscreet choice they make of them; and that after their own lusts; choosing to hear such as either indulge them in their sinful lusts and pleasures; or are agreeable to their private corrupt sentiments, in opposition to the generally received doctrine of faith. It is a blessing to have pastors and teachers after God's heart, and who preach according to the word of God; these feed men with knowledge and understanding, Jer 3:15 but it is a curse upon a people, when they are left to choose teachers after their hearts' lusts: having itching ears; always desirous of new things, as the Athenians of old; or loving to have their ears scratched and tickled with smooth things; that are pleasing and agreeable to natural men, and carnal minds; as the purity of human nature, the power of man's free will, the excellency of his righteousness, and the merit of his works, and the like; see Isa 30:9. Now, this being the case, should not discourage, but rather animate the ministers of the Gospel to preach it; for should they desist, in all likelihood the Gospel would soon be gone.
2 Timothy 4:3
Preach the Word
2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.3For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.4So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Spirit of a True Prophet - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill10K29:56ProphetJHN 3:16JHN 14:2ACT 2:4ACT 2:372TI 4:32PE 1:20REV 5:6In this sermon transcript, the preacher discusses a sermon given by P. Nicholson, who emphasized the theme of repentance. The preacher describes how Nicholson's preaching had a powerful impact on the audience, causing soldiers and the general public to cry out and seek guidance on what to do. The preacher also highlights the significance of Jesus' baptism and the proclamation made by John the Baptist, declaring Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The sermon concludes with a reference to a historical event in Northern Ireland in 1922, where a revival occurred, bringing about a spiritual awakening.
(Clip) the Gospel Will Soon Be Hate Speech
By Francis Chan4.8K03:362TI 4:3This sermon discusses the potential future challenges Christians may face in a changing world where public forums could be restricted and labeled as hate speech. Drawing parallels from history, it highlights the importance of empowering ordinary believers to lead and teach others in their faith, emphasizing the need for personal spiritual growth and discipleship regardless of external circumstances.
The Sanctity of Life
By Brent Yim2.0K53:31AbortionPSA 119:136JER 2:33ROM 8:312TI 4:32TI 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians being proactive in the fight to preserve life. He uses the acronym LIFE to outline four ways to do this. The first way is by learning and pursuing knowledge of the Lord's heart on these issues. The preacher encourages Christians to present the truth of God's word, even if it is unpopular, and to weep over the immorality of the nation. He emphasizes that indifference is unacceptable and that personal responsibility is required to make a difference in the fight for life.
Come Out of the Darkness of Babylon
By Steve Gallagher1.8K45:50Babylon2TI 4:3REV 17:1REV 18:1REV 19:19REV 21:9The video shown during the sermon was described as a production created by the church. The speaker prayed for the congregation and mentioned that some people may choose to stay behind and seek the Lord in the sanctuary. The speaker then discussed the book of Revelation, explaining that the first three chapters serve as an introduction to the overwhelming scenes depicted in the rest of the book. Chapter 18 was highlighted as describing life as it is currently known, particularly in the United States, focusing on pleasure, entertainment, and sensuality.
Vocational Fellowship - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K53:43FellowshipJER 6:16JER 17:12MAT 6:33ACT 2:421CO 14:332TI 4:3JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker addresses a crisis that has been reached in the lives of the people. They are experiencing unrest, weariness, and a sense of futility. Some have accepted this way of life, while others are confused and fearful. The Lord comes in with his word, urging them to stand at the crossroads and reflect on their situation. He warns against forsaking the fountain of living water and instead creating broken systems that cannot hold water. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being in line with God's purpose and allowing the spontaneous flow of life to guide their actions.
(February 1987) 02 - Who Is Going to Control
By Ray Lowe1.6K1:19:00ControlISA 9:1ISA 11:9EZK 13:1MAT 6:331TH 5:22TI 4:3REV 21:4In this sermon, the preacher describes encountering a man on Skid Road who was homeless and suffering from exposure to the elements. The preacher reaches out to help the man, who initially fears him but eventually accepts his assistance. The preacher then shares a story of a young woman with four children who were almost frozen to death in the cold mountains. The sermon emphasizes the need for peace and unity within the church and warns of the coming problems and distress in the world. It also highlights the importance of not letting our hearts become overwhelmed and out of control. The preacher references biblical passages, such as Luke 21 and Revelation, to support his message.
Audio Sermon: Cold Love at Midnight
By David Wilkerson1.6K1:05:472TI 4:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fervent love for God and His Word, warning about the danger of growing cold in love and drifting away from the truth. It highlights the need to endure in faith, embrace sound doctrine, and be willing to receive warnings and judgments as honey from heaven. The speaker urges the congregation to repent, return to their first love, and seek the Lord with a renewed passion, especially in the face of impending judgments and the second coming of Christ.
The Dangers of Irreverence Before God
By Robert Wurtz II1.5K57:49IrreverenceNUM 16:261TI 6:192TI 2:192TI 4:3JUD 1:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with reverence and fear. He criticizes a fellow preacher for not preaching God strongly enough and urges him to understand the power and authority of God. The preacher highlights the need to flip the pancake and focus on the other side of God's character, which includes his wrath and judgment. He references passages from the Old Testament and the book of Luke to illustrate the consequences of not recognizing and honoring God's authority.
The Spirit of a Prophet Leonard Ravenhill
By Leonard Ravenhill1.4K09:131KI 19:4ISA 40:3JER 1:5AMO 3:7MAT 11:11MRK 1:4ACT 13:22TI 4:3HEB 11:32This sermon emphasizes the unique and lonely calling of prophets, highlighting the solitude and dedication required in their role. It reflects on the significance of John the Baptist as the greatest man born of woman, who spent years in the wilderness before his impactful ministry. The message stresses the need for modern-day prophets who are willing to preach repentance and endure hardship for the sake of God's truth and revival.
Looking for and Loving His Appearing
By Lehman Strauss1.4K45:37Second ComingMAT 6:331TI 6:62TI 4:3TIT 2:11TIT 2:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He uses the analogy of a layup in basketball to illustrate the concept of storing up spiritual treasures for the future. The speaker warns against the love of money, stating that it can lead to temptation and destructive desires. He encourages the audience to focus on doing good works, fellowshipping with others, and distributing their resources to those in need. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the listeners to be ready for the Lord's appearing and to love His appearing.
How Our Joy Can Be Full - Part 4
By Zac Poonen1.3K09:09ROM 14:172TI 4:31JN 2:1John the Apostle, a 95-year-old man, urges believers to abide in Christ and have confidence in His imminent return. He warns against the spirit of deception, the Antichrist, and the importance of discerning teachings contrary to Christ. John emphasizes the urgency of the last hour and the presence of both a main Antichrist and many smaller deceivers. He highlights the need for believers to remain steadfast in the face of worldly temptations and false teachings, focusing on love, holiness, and obedience to God's commandments.
Spiritual Labotomy
By Ralph Sexton1.2K42:16ISA 64:7MAT 6:33ROM 3:201TI 4:12TI 4:3REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses how our society has become desensitized to violence, fear, and immorality through the influence of media. He highlights the prevalence of graphic and disturbing content in movies, television shows, and video games, and how it has numbed our souls to the point where we no longer react with shock or disgust. The preacher warns that this desensitization is dangerous for Bible-believing churches, as it can lead to a loss of spiritual power and a disconnect from God. He emphasizes the need to open our hearts to joy and leave behind fear, and encourages believers to seek a revival of their relationship with God.
Contrasting Picture of Life and Death
By Ian Paisley1.1K45:17GEN 1:21PSA 23:2ISA 1:7JER 12:5MAT 6:332TI 4:3HEB 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the challenges and struggles of life, comparing them to footmen in a race. He emphasizes that everyone will face disappointments, sickness, sorrow, and tragedy along their journey. However, the preacher also highlights the importance of relying on Jesus to overcome these obstacles and find peace. He concludes by reminding the audience that there will come a day when the footmen will be replaced by the cavalry charge of death, and everyone will face the final battle.
Accepting the Truth and Living It Out
By Miki Hardy8411:51:45JER 15:19ROM 8:171CO 1:18PHP 1:29COL 1:292TI 4:3JAS 1:271PE 4:13This sermon focuses on the importance of discerning between what is precious and what is vile, particularly in the context of understanding the revelation of the cross of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the need for the church to recognize false doctrines and practices, offering a solution for restoration. The message highlights the presence of 'spiritual orphans' in the church, calling for leaders who are willing to embrace the challenging yet rewarding Christian life, which includes suffering for the sake of Christ.
Transformed Into the Image of Christ
By Erlo Stegen8211:25:582TI 4:3HEB 13:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and imitating leaders who speak the word of God. He warns against the danger of seeking teachers who only say what people want to hear, rather than sound doctrine. The speaker encourages listeners to meditate on the message and apply it to their lives, rather than forgetting it and getting caught up in other things. He also highlights the significance of considering the outcome of leaders' lives and imitating their faith. The sermon is based on Hebrews 13:7 and references 2 Timothy 4:3.
The Spirit Who Speaks in You
By Shane Idleman81249:17PRO 28:13ISA 6:3JER 29:13MAT 10:22GAL 6:7EPH 5:8EPH 5:182TI 4:3JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God with humility, prayer, and repentance. It challenges listeners to turn away from wicked ways and to fully surrender to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill their hearts. The message highlights the desensitization to sin in today's culture and the need for a revival of truth and righteousness.
(Where Is the Church Going) 1. Where Is the Church Going?
By Miki Hardy7651:09:45ChurchMAT 5:142CO 6:162TI 4:3HEB 6:11In this sermon, the preacher expresses his concern about the direction of the church today. He believes that the church is not shining a light in the world as it should. He criticizes the abundance of books in Christian bookstores that seem to be motivated by money rather than a genuine desire to spread the message of Christ. The preacher emphasizes the need for the church to return to the simple message of the cross and for Christians to fully identify their lives with Christ. He also warns against false teachings and encourages believers to study the scriptures and seek the truth.
False Refuge
By Rolfe Barnard72347:40FalseISA 28:14ISA 28:16JER 2:13MAT 7:21JHN 5:392TI 4:32PE 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the state of the people and how they have turned to lies and falsehood as their refuge. He refers to the scripture that says God has laid a sure foundation, a precious cornerstone, for those who believe in Him. The preacher also discusses the concept of being lost and how Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He emphasizes that salvation is not based on external factors like profession or membership, but on knowing and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and a reminder that God desires all people to come to Him.
Jude - Glorifying God
By Mariano Di Gangi70224:24Glorifying GodMAT 6:33PHP 1:61TH 5:222TI 4:31PE 5:8JUD 1:3JUD 1:24The sermon transcript discusses the dangers of the world we live in, highlighting events such as the bombings in Lebanon and Sri Lanka, and the actions of the IRA. Despite the challenges, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Christ-like life and having faith in God's ability to keep us from falling. The sermon also emphasizes the need to reflect Jesus in every aspect of our lives, including love for the truth, mercy, and willingness to suffer. The uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation is also discussed, with the speaker addressing the scandal of those who profess the Gospel but live contrary to its teachings.
The Leaven of Wanting Your Own Way
By Phil Beach Jr.2644:47Christian LifeThe Dangers of Self-CenterednessSpiritual VigilancePSA 101:3PRO 14:12PRO 23:7MAT 24:122TI 4:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of pursuing our own way instead of God's, warning that this mindset leads to destruction and spiritual coldness. He references Proverbs 14:12 to illustrate that what seems right to us can ultimately lead to ruin. The sermon highlights a 'leaven' that has infiltrated the church, making it easier for believers to adopt a self-centered attitude, which can numb their love for God. Beach urges the congregation to be vigilant about their influences and surroundings, as they can either challenge or weaken their spiritual fervor. He calls for a return to sound doctrine and a commitment to living in a way that reflects true devotion to Christ.
The Cure for Spiritual Cancer
By Shane Idleman1942:43RepentanceSpiritual Awakening2TI 4:3Shane Idleman delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Cure for Spiritual Cancer,' emphasizing the urgent need for spiritual awakening in the church and society. He draws parallels between the current state of America and historical periods of moral decline, urging listeners to confront their spiritual complacency and return to their first love for God. Idleman stresses that true hope lies in repentance and a desperate pursuit of God, as he calls for a revival of genuine faith and bold preaching. He warns against the dangers of a silent pulpit and the need for the church to reclaim its role as the foundation of truth in culture. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek God with all their hearts, reminding them that only through humility and brokenness can true healing occur.
The Cost of Speaking the Truth
By Shane Idleman0JER 20:9JHN 16:2ROM 10:92TI 4:12TI 4:3Shane Idleman shares a powerful message on the cost of speaking the truth, recounting a challenging experience at an American Baptist conference where division arose over ordaining those who embrace the homosexual lifestyle. Despite facing backlash, including hate mail and threats, he emphasizes the importance of boldly proclaiming God's truth, even when it leads to controversy and opposition. Idleman urges believers to prioritize God's approval over the applause of men, warning against the dangers of compromising truth for the sake of tolerance and acceptance in today's lukewarm culture.
The Goodness and Severity of the Lord
By Mike Bickle0ISA 26:9JER 23:20HAG 2:7ROM 11:222TI 4:3REV 19:7Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of considering both the goodness and severity of God, as exhorted by Paul in Romans 11:22. He urges believers to seek and understand the truths related to God's goodness, such as His mercy, the power of Jesus' blood, and the end-time revival, as well as the truths related to God's severity, including His judgments and redemptive disciplines. Bickle highlights that God's judgments are expressions of His love, aimed at removing hindrances to love, and stresses the need for the Body of Christ to grasp this concept to avoid being offended by God's leadership in the end times.
Selective Scripture Screening
By A.W. Tozer0HeresyIntegrity of Scripture2TI 4:3A.W. Tozer emphasizes that heresy is not merely about rejecting Scripture but rather about selectively choosing which parts to accept and which to ignore. He warns against the tendency to favor passages that align with personal preferences while disregarding others, a practice that has been observed throughout history, including in various cults. Tozer cites a fourteenth-century editorial scribe who cautioned against this selective approach, urging believers to embrace the entirety of Scripture. The sermon highlights the danger of distorting the truth by focusing only on agreeable teachings, particularly in relation to critical doctrines like eternal punishment.
Finding a Good Church (1)
By Anton Bosch0MAT 18:201CO 8:1EPH 4:14COL 3:162TI 4:3Anton Bosch addresses the common misconceptions and wrong priorities people have when searching for a good church. He emphasizes that the focus should be on honoring God in worship, seeking doctrinal correctness in teaching, and prioritizing spiritual growth over personal preferences or comfort. Bosch challenges the notion that bigger churches are better, highlighting the value of smaller congregations that are zealous for God's Word. He also warns against letting demographics, denominations, or personal enjoyment of messages dictate church choices, stressing the importance of sound doctrine and spiritual challenge.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For the time will come - There is a time coming to the Church when men will not hear the practical truths of the Gospel, when they will prefer speculative opinions, which either do no good to the soul, or corrupt and destroy it, to that wholesome doctrine of "deny thyself, take up thy cross and follow me," which Jesus Christ has left in his Church. But after their own lusts - For these they will follow, and hate those preachers and that doctrine by which they are opposed. Shall they heap to themselves teachers - They will add one teacher to another, run and gad about after all, to find out those who insist not on the necessity of bearing the cross, of being crucified to the world, and of having the mind that was in Jesus. In this disposition interested men often find their account; they set up for teachers, "and widen and strew with flowers the way, down to eternal ruin," taking care to soothe the passions and flatter the vices of a trifling, superficial people. Having itching ears - Endless curiosity, an insatiable desire of variety; and they get their ears tickled with the language and accent of the person, abandoning the good and faithful preacher for the fine speaker.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they--professing Christians. sound doctrine--Greek, "the sound (see on Ti1 1:10) doctrine (didascalias)" or "teaching," namely, of the Gospel. Presently follows the concrete, "teachers." after their own lusts--Instead of regarding the will of God they dislike being interrupted in their lusts by true teachers. heap--one on another: an indiscriminate mass of false teachers. Variety delights itching ears. "He who despises sound teaching, leaves sound teachers; they seek instructors like themselves" [BENGEL]. It is the corruption of the people in the first instance, that creates priestcraft (Exo 32:1). to themselves--such as will suit their depraved tastes; populus vult decipi, et decipiatur--"the people wish to be deceived, so let them be deceived." "Like priest, like people" (Kg1 12:31; Hos 4:9). itching--like to hear teachers who give them mere pleasure (Act 17:19-21), and do not offend by truths grating to their ears. They, as it were, tickle with pleasure the levity of the multitude [CICERO], who come as to a theater to hear what will delight their ears, not to learn [SENECA, Epistles, 10.8] what will do them good. "Itch in the ear is as bad in any other part of the body, and perhaps worse" [SOUTH].
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the time will come,.... This is a reason of the solemn charge above given: the time referred to was future, when the apostle wrote, but quickly came on; and the characters of it have appeared more or less in all ages since; and in none more than in ours: when they will not endure sound doctrine; the Gospel which contains the wholesome words of Christ, and is sound itself, having no corruption in it, and salutary in its effects to the souls of men; and yet such is the depravity of some men, both in principles and practice, that they cannot receive it, nor bear to hear it, turn their backs on it, express their indignation at it, and treat it not only with neglect, but with ridicule and contempt: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers; not being content with the ministry of one man only, or of a few, though of their own sort; but must follow many, and have heaps of them; which seems to express not only the number of false teachers which they accumulate to themselves, but the confused and indiscreet choice they make of them; and that after their own lusts; choosing to hear such as either indulge them in their sinful lusts and pleasures; or are agreeable to their private corrupt sentiments, in opposition to the generally received doctrine of faith. It is a blessing to have pastors and teachers after God's heart, and who preach according to the word of God; these feed men with knowledge and understanding, Jer 3:15 but it is a curse upon a people, when they are left to choose teachers after their hearts' lusts: having itching ears; always desirous of new things, as the Athenians of old; or loving to have their ears scratched and tickled with smooth things; that are pleasing and agreeable to natural men, and carnal minds; as the purity of human nature, the power of man's free will, the excellency of his righteousness, and the merit of his works, and the like; see Isa 30:9. Now, this being the case, should not discourage, but rather animate the ministers of the Gospel to preach it; for should they desist, in all likelihood the Gospel would soon be gone.