I'm continuing to read through Paul's letters; as I do so, I am continually struck by the timeliness (or is it "timelessness") of some of the comments he makes. It's amazing to me that a letter written to a church or an individual nearly 2,000 years ago can still retain its impact and that its message can be so relevant in our current day. Recently, I have been struck by a few verses in the fourth chapter of Second Timothy:
"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths."(2 Tim 4:3-4 NLT)
Now that we are in an age where huge amounts of information are just a few clicks on a keyboard away, it is very easy for someone to search out preachers and sermons that make them feel good about themselves and the life they are living. When a television program (or even a commercial!) comes on that we don't like we are so used to changing the channel or diverting our attention elsewhere that we do the same thing when confronted with uncomfortable truths from the Word of God. I found myself doing it last week in church!
Last Sunday our pastor was teaching on "Jehovah Nissi" (God is My Banner) and pointed out that our natural tendencies lead us to be ruled by our appetites, to gripe, to blame others (particularly our leaders), and to doubt God. He asked the question, "Do we trust God completely, or not?" I was made uncomfortable by the question, and immediately looked at the people sitting near me (yes, including my wife) to see what their reaction was. I was hoping to see someone that looked more guilty than I felt. Then, I began to watch a young kid down the pew from me... I missed the next thing the pastor said, and had to cheat off of my wife's notes to catch back up!
I don't think that I am the only one that doesn't enjoy being made to feel uncomfortable when faced with difficult questions or when presented with truths from the Bible that force me to examine my own life more closely to ensure that it lines up with God's will.
Another thing that I do is search the Web looking for sermons from preachers that I enjoy listening to. A large number of the sermons I download are from iTunes. I find a preacher I like, pull up his list of messages, and then download the sermons with titles that appeal to me. After reading 2 Timothy 4, I feel as though I need to alter my habits. Now, I'm going to listen to the sermons sequentially, regardless of title. I know that, upon occasion, I download sermons on a specific topic because they relate to something I am currently experiencing; I will not stop doing that. But I will be sure that I download those sermons only in addition to the ones I am downloading sequentially. In this manner, I am sure that I will receive more well-rounded teaching from God's Word. I don't want to fall into the trap of only listening to messages that soothe my soul, or pat my back. A few verses earlier in 2 Timothy 3, Paul states:
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)
and then Paul urges Timothy to
"Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2, NLT)
I believe it is important to receive a well-rounded education in the things of God. The phrase "All scripture" doesn't leave any wiggle room for me to pick and choose select scriptures to heed. When Paul tells Timothy that at times he will speak words of encouragement but at other times he will have to rebuke the people of his church it makes me think, "When was the last time my preacher (or one of my iTunes preachers) said something to me that was a rebuke?" If I can't think of a time, then I need to question whether or not I'm receiving the whole Word of God. Paul told Timothy that not every word that comes out of a pastor's mouth will be one of encouragement!
The Word of God and the teachings we receive from the pulpit each Sunday should in some cases correct us, in other cases rebuke us, and in other cases encourage us. If , after a reasonable amount of time passes, all three criteria aren't being met, then we need to examine our Christian growth with care, asking ourselves if we are really hearing/reading the whole Gospel.
I am happy to say that I am proud to be part of a church that teaches the whole Gospel. I freely confess that at times my pastor says things that make me feel uncomfortable when I compare myself to the standards he sets forth. At other times, I feel that he is speaking directly to me when he speaks of an instruction from God's Word that I have failed to follow. But, there are also times that I am encouraged; when he speaks of God's love and the mercy He has shown through the provision of His Son, Jesus, as a perfect example and sacrifice.
I pray that God continues to reveal His will for my life through His Word. I pray for God's wisdom--specifically in regards to discernment when I measure a preacher's sermon against God's Word. God, I pray for pastors everywhere--that you remind them to preach your entire Word, leaving nothing out--even if they fear offending some of their long-time members. God, thank you for the church to which you have led my family. I pray for your blessings over the pastors and their families. Amen
"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths."(2 Tim 4:3-4 NLT)
Now that we are in an age where huge amounts of information are just a few clicks on a keyboard away, it is very easy for someone to search out preachers and sermons that make them feel good about themselves and the life they are living. When a television program (or even a commercial!) comes on that we don't like we are so used to changing the channel or diverting our attention elsewhere that we do the same thing when confronted with uncomfortable truths from the Word of God. I found myself doing it last week in church!
Last Sunday our pastor was teaching on "Jehovah Nissi" (God is My Banner) and pointed out that our natural tendencies lead us to be ruled by our appetites, to gripe, to blame others (particularly our leaders), and to doubt God. He asked the question, "Do we trust God completely, or not?" I was made uncomfortable by the question, and immediately looked at the people sitting near me (yes, including my wife) to see what their reaction was. I was hoping to see someone that looked more guilty than I felt. Then, I began to watch a young kid down the pew from me... I missed the next thing the pastor said, and had to cheat off of my wife's notes to catch back up!
I don't think that I am the only one that doesn't enjoy being made to feel uncomfortable when faced with difficult questions or when presented with truths from the Bible that force me to examine my own life more closely to ensure that it lines up with God's will.
Another thing that I do is search the Web looking for sermons from preachers that I enjoy listening to. A large number of the sermons I download are from iTunes. I find a preacher I like, pull up his list of messages, and then download the sermons with titles that appeal to me. After reading 2 Timothy 4, I feel as though I need to alter my habits. Now, I'm going to listen to the sermons sequentially, regardless of title. I know that, upon occasion, I download sermons on a specific topic because they relate to something I am currently experiencing; I will not stop doing that. But I will be sure that I download those sermons only in addition to the ones I am downloading sequentially. In this manner, I am sure that I will receive more well-rounded teaching from God's Word. I don't want to fall into the trap of only listening to messages that soothe my soul, or pat my back. A few verses earlier in 2 Timothy 3, Paul states:
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT)
and then Paul urges Timothy to
"Preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2, NLT)
I believe it is important to receive a well-rounded education in the things of God. The phrase "All scripture" doesn't leave any wiggle room for me to pick and choose select scriptures to heed. When Paul tells Timothy that at times he will speak words of encouragement but at other times he will have to rebuke the people of his church it makes me think, "When was the last time my preacher (or one of my iTunes preachers) said something to me that was a rebuke?" If I can't think of a time, then I need to question whether or not I'm receiving the whole Word of God. Paul told Timothy that not every word that comes out of a pastor's mouth will be one of encouragement!
The Word of God and the teachings we receive from the pulpit each Sunday should in some cases correct us, in other cases rebuke us, and in other cases encourage us. If , after a reasonable amount of time passes, all three criteria aren't being met, then we need to examine our Christian growth with care, asking ourselves if we are really hearing/reading the whole Gospel.
I am happy to say that I am proud to be part of a church that teaches the whole Gospel. I freely confess that at times my pastor says things that make me feel uncomfortable when I compare myself to the standards he sets forth. At other times, I feel that he is speaking directly to me when he speaks of an instruction from God's Word that I have failed to follow. But, there are also times that I am encouraged; when he speaks of God's love and the mercy He has shown through the provision of His Son, Jesus, as a perfect example and sacrifice.
I pray that God continues to reveal His will for my life through His Word. I pray for God's wisdom--specifically in regards to discernment when I measure a preacher's sermon against God's Word. God, I pray for pastors everywhere--that you remind them to preach your entire Word, leaving nothing out--even if they fear offending some of their long-time members. God, thank you for the church to which you have led my family. I pray for your blessings over the pastors and their families. Amen
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