Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:1-5
Kingdom of Christ
In the Days of Itching Ears
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (KJV)
With the apostle Paul believing that his life and ministry was nearing an end he leaves a challenge with the young Timothy. That challenge is “Preach the word…” and with it the purpose of preaching is given. The preacher is to be ready to preach at a moments notice. The culture and society we live in today needs the preacher to be ready. It is fast moving. Quickly moving toward disaster.
Paul speaks of a time when there will be teachers which will preach and teach things that will tickle the itching ears of those who do not want to hear the truth. We are living in such a time. People are willing to believe the fables of the time; but reject the truth, even to the point of hatred toward one God, who has a Son who died for the sinners of the world.
“Reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering (Patience) and doctrine”. Confronting sin in God’s people, rebuking it and then teaching the people how to live for the Lord. That is so needed in the lives of Christians today.
-T.A.
The Christian Walk
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore He saith, ‘Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.’ See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:5-16 (KJV)
The Christian Walk is similar to Christian Life and Living, and it is also the walk of Enoch of old, Elijah, and others. That walk is in agreement with GOD, and His Word (Amos 3:3), and there is only one way to walk with GOD, and that is to agree with Him.
The Christian is a changed individual. She/He will trust the Lord even when darkness seems set on derailing our walk. We must cherish our walk with God. Continue in it even when the way is rough, rocky, dark, and lonely. Walk diligently, circumspectly in the Lord.
-T.A.
The Fire and Hammer 