3 Things Itching Ears Want to Hear

“The time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:3 

That time has come. 

People are listening to teachers who “say what their itching ears want to hear,” focusing on 1) self-esteem, 2) the easy life, and 3) a casual attitude toward sin.

Many Christians are taken in by these “hollow and deceptive” philosophies. It's absolutely critical that we know and understand Scriptures like these:

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

The grace of God “teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:12 

God's commands lead to wholeness, life, and a mature faith.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8

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1. Self-love 

There is not a single passage in Scripture that commands us to love ourselves. But there are multiple passages like this one: 

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4 

See Biblical Self-Esteem. 

2. Avoiding difficulty

Should we refuse ungodly companions and avoid situations that cause us to sin? Yes. Should we avoid situations that involve hard work, reconciliation, humility, and perseverance? No.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer…Bless those who persecute you…Live in harmony with one another...Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:10-21

See Overcoming Adversity. 

3. The Christian attitude toward sin

I encourage you to read this whole linked passage. I've only included excerpts:

“Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient…For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…find out what pleases the Lord…” Ephesians 5:1-20

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