Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

(1Ti 4:1) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”  As far as has been revealed in Scripture, “spirits (here) and devils” speaks of the same – fallen angels. So often one says, “The Lord told me” and what they say does agree with the Bible. The Bible is the test. The Holy Spirit would never direct you to anything that would contradict God’s Word.

 (1Ti 4:1) “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”  The Bible tells us, (1Jn_4:1) “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” This is an area of great ignorance among God’s people. Though the Bible warns us of “Satan, the prince and the power of the air”, yet we live as if he doesn’t exist, and thus his kingdom has no influence on my life. Consider carefully these Words.  More tomorrow.

 (2Ti 4:3) “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;….”  It should not surprise those who have grown up in a “me” society, where “who I am”, “what I am”, “what I think” is more important than anything else, should reject “sound doctrine” – what God “thinks” – no – commands. The saved need to be taught: grace means favor you received but did not deserve; you have been “purchased” with the blood of Christ Jesus; any merit you possess is “Christ in you”; we are to become like Jesus by programming our thinking by God’s Word; He is Lord of me.

(2Ti 4:3) “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine;….”  What can be said to be “sound doctrine”? Only that which agrees with the whole of Scripture, no assumptions made, and a heart yielded to it as being the very Word of God Himself. Bible doctrine will never exalt self, only God Himself. I personally seek only too the KJV for God’s Word – doctrine. The others are made from texts which have not all of the Scriptures, plus seventy “extremely” educated and scholarly men interpreted it word for word. There have been no translations since by those so educated and they are no longer word for word translations, but, “This is what it is saying.” In other words, you have very much the opinion of man in the translation.

(2Ti 4:1) “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,….. (2) …. exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”   As a pastor, I have often wondered why my people so often seem to be following the world. Answer: you cannot follow what you do not know; in this case I am referring to doctrine – God’s Word. It is God’s Word and only God’s Word that will exhort (call to comfort) God’s people, leading them to live rightly before their Lord.. Do you desire to minister to others? Then immerse yourself in God’s Word.

(2Ti 4:1) “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,….. (2) …. exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”   The word, “exhort” here is not so much “to build up” as it is “to call near to comfort”. The goal of reproving and rebuking is never for the harm of the individual, but  (1) for the reputation of our Savior and our God, and (2) for the repentance and thus bringing back into right fellowship with their God and thus with His people. Number one can surely be accomplished. Number two has to do with the will and heart of the offender.

 (2Ti 4:1) “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ,…..(2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,….”  If those professing to be saved believe to “reprove” is not loving, then they certainly will think to “rebuke” is so. Each of us are born with sinful rebellion towards authority – aimed ultimately at God. Today, few respect authority. That attitude accompanies the saved into the church. Friend, we have not truly bowed to God’s authority until we are willing to bow in heart to those whom He gave authority: “Thou hast not lied unto man; but unto God”

(2Ti 4:1) “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,….”  The world has told us to “reprove” is not loving. To reprove one of sin is one of the most loving thing a person can do. God will judge the sin of each of us. To draw one back in repentance is spoken of this way: (Jas_5:20)  “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” The truth is, we do not confront “sin” because we love ourselves more.

 (2Ti 4:1) “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; (2)  Preach the word;….”  The focus is not to be on Timothy as much as on those he is to minister unto. They need to hear the Word of God – all the counsel of the Word of God. It lies upon Timothy’s soul to give it. Does it lie upon your soul to give the teaching of the Bible to all who will listen?