2 Timothy 4:3-4 3For the time will come when they will not put up with sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, they will accumulate many of their own teachers because they want to have itching ears, 4and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
Timothy must preach because there will come a time when people will not always listen to sound doctrine. Sound (hygiainousēs) is a medical term meaning healthy and represents here the orthodox teaching about the gospel. Unhealthy teaching is a deviation from the truth of the gospel found in the Scriptures. These people do the reverse and follow their own desires by gathering many teachers who say only what they want to hear.
These people are enticed by false doctrine because it satisfies their itching ears. They like to hear things that reinforce their deceived passions and pride. The false teachers say what will please their audience rather than the truth of the gospel. The gospel convicts, rebukes, and calls people to repentance. The false teachers are people pleasures and preach a watered down gospel that leaves people feeling good but makes no difference in a person’s relationship with God.
As a result, the deceived people turn their ears away from the truth of the gospel and accept myths and interesting speculations. There are two words for “turn away” used in verse 4. The first word can have a moral sense of a change of behavior or rejecting the way from the truth. It implies some intentionality. The second can be used in a medical sense of twisting an ankle or joint. The image implies some decisive twisting. Turning away from the truth leads to confusion and causes people to miss the truth of salvation.
For older posts, click here.