Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
We know mankind has been living in the “last days” since Christ ascended into heaven, as recorded in Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51, and Acts 1:9-11. Also, remember that there has been evil in this world since the fall of man in Genesis 3. As we read 2 Timothy 4:3-4, the Truth of this Scripture was being lived out in the days of Paul and Timothy and we still see it being lived out today. Our world is full of people who do not want to listen to “sound doctrine” from God’s Word, but they would rather listen to something pleasing to their ears. Too many people in our world do not care if what they listen to is Truth, but instead, they only want to hear what makes them feel good. As God says, “wanting to have their ears tickled,” they find for themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear and not what they need to hear. People only want to have their fleshly desires met and as long as their selfish, self-centered desires are being fulfilled, they do not care how it affects others nor do they care about what it might cost them. Again, this has been going on since the fall of man but it is just more blatant today. We are more aware of mankind's sin because of the internet and social media. Our goal must be to live for our Lord, pray for and share God’s Truth with the lost, and guard our hearts against our fleshly desires.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about this lost world and how you should be living?
2. How are you guarding your heart against your fleshly desires and choosing to live for our Lord each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!