Deliver Me From Evil

A time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.

2 Timothy 4:3-5

HAVE YOU EVER had a “suicide”?

That’s a fountain drink that’s just what you make it. You might start with a bit of Coke and then add orange soda, maybe a bit of Sprite, a portion of root beer, and perhaps a splash of cherry syrup. The concoction is never the same twice and is limited only by the drinker’s imagination—and the ability to tolerate something that could be a really disgusting drink.

That kind of illustrates some religions in our society today. The person wanting to be spiritual may develop beliefs that include some Protestant heritage, some cultish works, some Buddhist tenets, some Eastern practices, and some Muslim teachings. He or she might even throw in a splash of paganism or humanism.

The society Paul walked in mirrored ours. In this passage, Paul pointed out to the believers that a time was coming when people would no longer listen to sound spiritual teaching. They would depend on their own man-made teachings. At times, Paul’s life was even in danger because he spoke of Christ as the only way to God.

If we’re living for Jesus in a “make your own religion” society, we will face evil attacks at times. When they come, we can look at Paul’s life and turn to these verses for encouragement.