THE DANGERS OF ITCHING EARS
The topic of our discussion today stems from Paul’s warning in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, where he prophetically tells Timothy that one of the characteristics of the end times is the people’s inclination to falsehood and deception as long as it feeds their lusts and carnal desires.
Today, many are the things that are perpetuated among the people, even believers, under a guise of spirituality and light notwithstanding that Satan too presents himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). In this article, I will give a few umbrella examples under which you may be able, by God’s grace, to discern other seemingly minor deceptive systems woven in our society today. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of what exists, but may be of help to you as you dig deeper in the word for your own study.
5 KEY ENEMIES OF SOUND DOCTRINE THAT PRESENT AS TRUTH
- PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIANITY
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 NKJV
Progressive Christianity is the school of thought that promotes a “reasonable and modernized” faith. The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8)– and if the Word is the infallible truth of God, you can already see the problem with this kind of thought pattern and practice. Truth is older than thought and language and the Word of God is what is true. Because of this, it cannot be modernized to suit the present time sensibilities.
Many have fallen victim to this kind of doctrines and as a result, grieve the Holy Spirit and live deceived and unable to live up to the full potential of king and priest as bestowed to children of God. The Bible is relevant today and tomorrow as it was when it was first written and what you and I experience today in our day to day has been before (Ecclesiastes 1:9). This unfortunately has encouraged and enabled many false teachers who build ministries to exploit those with seared consciences. Though their actions communicate a seeking heart, it is often misleading to those who follow them.
- NEW AGE SPIRITUALITY
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 NKJV
The new age movement is not in fact new. Witchcraft, mysticism, sorcery, divination, darkness masked as light have always existed from the days of the prophets to date. Presently, it is more subtle and permeated within the cultural beliefs that some, who by lack of discernment and biblical literacy, don’t even realize they are dabbling in it. What I mean by saying it has permeated culture is that it is present in secular arts such as music that subtly evokes devil worship.
It infiltrates fictional writings that expose the mind to fallen wisdoms, symbolism and ritualistic practices that bind people in dangerous covenants that they have no understanding of nor do they know how to escape them. Many will argue that Christians are extreme and “over-spiritualize” things but there is nothing physical that doesn’t first occur in the spirit. We see in passages like Genesis 1:2 that the Spirit was executing God’s thoughts of creation which consequently makes everything more spiritual than merely physical.
In Ezekiel 28, the Bible gives us insight into the beauty and splendor with which Satan was created before his pride got him doomed forever, and unlike what is often assumed – he did not lose most of his attributes because the gifts and callings of God are without repentance. So when Paul says he transforms himself as an angel of light, it is through his original setting which could have been used for God’s glory but instead led to pride. This kind of deception can only be prevented by three simple yet powerful things: the word of God, the power of counsel in community and spiritual covering. It is important however, to mention that God is not limited in His ways to help and deliver those who, by ignorance, may find themselves entangled in this kind of false spirituality.
- PROSPERITY GOSPEL
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:3-6 NIV
Many people have differing beliefs concerning the prosperity gospel. Some live as if lack or poverty is a form of piety and others live exalting wealth and success above a sincere pursuit of Christ so much so that it becomes an idol. Both are incorrect. The core issue of the prosperity gospel is that it teaches that faith guarantees material blessings and portrays suffering as a sign of weak faith.
Jesus did guarantee that suffering and tribulation will come but He never specified that it would be to the poor or the wealthy but to all men as a result of sin and the world’s fallenness. This kind of gospel appeals to emotions and sometimes intellect and leaves those who may have not attained a particular societal definition of success, material gain or health desperately seeking it and not God. It also leaves them sourly despising the Lord as though He willfully withheld the blessings that they ought to have.
The Bible holds many promises that God made to His children concerning health, wealth and success not as ends in themselves, but as blessings that flow from a life centered on God’s wisdom, obedience and trust and here we see a few applicable ones:
Concerning Health :
“If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight… I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” Exodus 15:26 (NKJV)
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7–8 (NKJV)
Concerning Wealth:
“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22 (NKJV)
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NKJV)
Concerning Success:
“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth… For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
“He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NKJV)
If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ and feel that this is the right time, pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I thank You because You died for my sins, and You were raised for my glory. Today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I am born again. Amen.”
