Daily Devotion: Sound Doctrine

Scripture:
2 Timothy 4: 1-4

Main Verse:
2 Timothy 4: 3
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Observation:
There are so many religious organizations nowadays, and they are even more visible because of television, the Internet, and social media. When the preaching is something positive or beneficial--power, fame, success, riches--people get easily enticed by the preacher's warm words. They listen to and follow the preacher, but refuse to follow the Truth. They desire to be blessed by the Lord, but reject The One who blesses. They want the "benefits" but do not want to submit to The One who gives these benefits.

Application:
What do we do when we want to know more about someone? We try to be close with the person and learn more about what he or she likes and hates. If something is too good to be true, we try to ask someone else's opinion or so our own research. Is there a way for us to know if the Word being preached is from and about the Lord Jesus? Yes! If we make a commitment to read and study the Word of God and not just rely on what we hear from the preacher, we will know the truth about the Lord and His teachings. It is easier to reject false doctrines and teachings when we are properly armed with the Word of God. Let us listen to sound doctrines, not the kind that pampers us.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for your message today. I pray that I may always have spiritual eyes and ears so I can clearly distinguish between true and false teachings. Your Word is The Only Way and the Only Truth for me. May I be able to listen to Your voice as I read and meditate on your Word. I will never grow tired of studying your teachings because they are a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. AMEN.