Paul uses 5 imperatives in his instruction to Timothy about ministry in the church: preach, be ready, reprove, rebuke and exhort. These imperatives are used in the context of a predicted time when many will not endure sound doctrine.

The need for Biblical truth to be preached to the church is never dependent on the prevailing sentiments and desires of various Christians in particular religious communities. Much less is it dependent on the sensibilities of potential religious consumers in society. God’s word must be preached because it is God’s means of converting the lost and building up the saints.

Paul mentioned future (in his day) times when sound doctrine will not be endured. That time is now as many have rejected the teaching of Christian doctrine in favor of practices more exciting and enticing to those who have no interest in the truth.

The alternative, according to Paul is that they “turn aside to myths.” In our day those myths are typically those of Eastern religion with its mystical practices. We discuss cases of this and how it is necessary to love the truth if one is to be a Christian.

We also study the need to believe truth about unseen realities which may be less appealing than the man-made, high tech experiences which are passed off as ‘worship’.