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).

These are the words of Paul, inspired by God. He wrote this to Timothy just before he was killed by the Roman emperor Nero in 67AD. Now, many people will say, even many evangelical Christians, these are Paul’s words. They are not inspired by God. I would refute their claim, and it is simply done. In 67 AD, Paul was writing about what is happening in the world today, in 2014.

Almost 2000 years ago, Paul warned Timothy, and in turn warned us about false teachers with their false doctrines. He warned us of a selfish, sinful generation who would not want to hear sound doctrine, but would seek a doctrine to suit their sinful lifestyles. Paul was speaking of the days we are living in.

Just before he warned Timothy, he reminded him of the importance of God’s Word. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul said:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

According to the Bible, the Word of God is inspired by God, given to equip us in this life for every good work. I know many do not believe the writings of Paul were inspired, and yet call themselves Christians. If you take that position, I would say, I do not believe you are Christian, as you have removed 14 books from the New Testament, which only has 27 books.

However, for those who do not believe Paul was inspired by God, we will look at Jesus. I assume anyone who calls themselves a Christian, which is defined as “a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ,” in the Merriam Webster Dictionary,will take His word.

Jesus spoke of the Scriptures being fulfilled 14 times in the New Testament. If the Bible is not the inerrant Word of God, there would be nothing to fulfill. God spoke through the 40 authors of the Bible, and He gave prophecy. When Christ came, He fulfilled more than 300 prophecies. It is just impossible for mere men to write the prophecies of the Bible over a period of 1500 years, and then have them be fulfilled by one Man.

Jesus also quoted the Old Testament 78 times. As the Son of God, He would have no reason to quote men, if they were not inspired by God. If Jesus taught from the Word of God; as followers of Christ, we must believe the Word of God is inspired and inerrant, for what man could possibly have the wisdom of God to determine what was inspired and what was not inspired.

As Paul warned Timothy of these false teachers, with their false doctrines, I repeat God’s inspired warning to you today, and add to it, John’s warning:

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds (2 John 1:9-11).

If we are going to call ourselves Christians, we must know God’s Word. There is no way we will withstand the work of the enemy in these trying times, without knowing true doctrine. Without God’s Word, we will be led astray by all the false teachings and we will have no excuse. We have the complete Word of God available to us. It is time for real Christians to get serious in their walks with the Lord.

— Staff Writer