I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. - 2 Timothy 4:1-4 AMP 

I talk about this a lot when I’m sharing God’s Word in my teaching and discipleship.  We are to always being ready and armed with The Word of God.  We need to first, quit following our feelings, they rarely produce Godly character and living.  At the most they should point out to us that we DON’T have a Biblical perspective on life, and we need to get into God’s Word and discipleship to know what God expects of us, no matter what our feelings tell us.   

Next, we need to quit trying to find people who agree with us and solicit counsel from them, when none of it aligns COMPLETELY with Scripture.  Paul so correctly describes our culture today when he said that we will NOT tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction, in other words, we will refuse to listen to the truth of God’s Word.  Keep in mind that the truth of God’s Word is ALL of The Bible, not just repentance that leads to salvation, though that’s a necessary starting point!  

If we do anything that we would consider being Biblically taught, discipled, etc. such as church services, small group Bible studies, “Biblical” counseling, etc., and we are NOT being challenged that there are things in our lives that need changed to align with God’s Word and how He wants us to live our lives on this earth, then we are either NOT attending Biblical functions or we are simply IGNORING the truth of God’s Word and not allowing It to change us to be more like Jesus.  The only other option is that we are so full of ourselves and have NONE of The Holy Spirit living in us that we think more of ourselves than we do of The Lord!

And finally, we need to get in God's Word, know it inside and out, live it, and whenever anyone asks us about life, only speak the truth in love directly from God's Word!  Man's philosophies are NEVER to be followed by Christians.  We shouldn't even discuss them unless someone else brings it up to us and then only to show them in God’s Word how man’s philosophies are NOT Biblical!

Paul strictly warns us about listening to even an angel if they are telling us something different than what is in God’s Word.  We read in Galatians 1:8-9 AMP-But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we [originally] preached to you, let him be condemned to destruction! As we have said before, so I now say again, if anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from that which you received [from us], let him be condemned to destruction!

Paul then again warns us about following any of the world’s philosophies in Colossians 2:7-8 AMP-having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ.

Paul also tells us to turn away from godless chatter and anything that contradicts God’s Word which the world falsely calls “knowledge”.  Once again telling us to STAY away from anything the world teaches.  He says in 1 Timothy 6:20-21 AMP-O Timothy, guard and keep safe the deposit [of godly truth] entrusted to you, turn away from worldly and godless chatter [with its profane, empty words], and the contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge”— which some have professed and by doing so have erred (missed the mark) and strayed from the faith. Grace be with you.

Lord, help us today and everyday to dig deep into Your Word as you fill us with the knowledge of You and how You desire for us to live our lives on this earth.  Help us to be beacons of The Truth from Your Word and not be concerned with what sounds good or people want to hear as only You have the words of eternal life.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, prayer requests, etc.  We'd love to pray with and for you and to the best of our ability answer any questions you may have soley using God's Word!

Here to serve and disciple until He calls us home,

Curt & Mary Jo