direction

This is from Paul's second letter to Timothy.

Timothy wasn't just a friend & disciple of Paul's - Paul considered Timothy his son.

Since as far as we know, Paul never married or had children, Timothy seems to have filled the bill as Paul's really & truly son.

Paul knows he's about to be killed, so I doubt he was mincing words here in these verses.

I know if I was writing for the last time to a son I'd "come by", I would be quite frank & to the point.

So would you.

When I read especially verse 3 just now, I thought about the many ways our "itchy ears" have been scratched by those willing to satiate our own desires.

Think of these verses as not just a mandate for Timothy from his friend & father but as direction for us in a day of profoundly "itchy ears". 



2 Timothy 4

1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, 

who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:

2 Preach the word of God. 

Be prepared, 

whether the time is favorable or not. 

Patiently correct, 

rebuke, 

and encourage your people with good teaching.



  3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. 

They will follow their own desires 

and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.

4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.



  5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. 

Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. 

Work at telling others the Good News, 

and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.