For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Healthful Teaching

One of the goals of life is to enjoy a measure of health allowing for the enjoyment of the good things found in the world. Good health is not always easy and can be compromised from genetic dispositions, harmful diets, and physical abuse. Billions of dollars are spent every year in the pursuit of health whether in gyms, diets, and fads but the single goal in mind is to remain young and full of vitality. The discipline of medical science has opened up incredible gains in understanding human anatomy helping people live longer and fuller lives. Having a sound body is highly prized.

Spiritually, there is a body of truth that is described as healthy and unhealthy. Paul explains to Timothy the need to follow after sound doctrine suggesting there is a form of teaching that is good and one that is destructive. The Holy Spirit warns of a time when men will no longer accept the pure word of truth once for all delivered to the saints. Sound doctrine comes from teaching that is pure, undefiled and uncorrupted. After the apostolic times, the church would enter into a time of transformation when the gospel of Christ would be corrupted, teaching doctrines that were unsound or unhealthy. This became a reality not long after Paul penned his final letters.

Apostasy is the renunciation of a pattern of truth. Jesus came to bring the eternal truth of His Father to the world and they killed Him. When the disciples of Christ began to teach the doctrines of Christ, many would accept and follow the Word but many would deny Christ. The early church went through persecutions because of those who rejected the teachings of Christ. One of the most insidious parts of persecution came when men began to change the teachings of Christ. Paul said men would not be satisfied with the doctrine of Christ and like itching ears, they will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. Sound doctrine would not be enough for them. They would change the word of God to fit their wisdom.

When a man does not endure sound doctrine, he will turn his heart away from the truth and accept myths or doctrines God has not taught. The Holy Spirit warned of the apostasy and Paul wrote about the coming apostasy. It would do well for devoted people of God to examine the doctrines they follow and see if they have become victims of the myths of men who have taught things that are not in the Bible. Sound doctrine can only come from one book and sound doctrine will the same for all men. The idea of choosing a church of personal choice is following after the myths of men. Teaching doctrines not found in the Bible is following a false doctrine. Sound doctrine is a healthy doctrine based upon the word of God.