2 Timothy 4:1 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;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 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;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Paul, the apostle, in his final letter to Timothy knew that his work on this earth would soon be done. Though we do not know the details of his death, it is believed that he was led out of the city along the Ostian road where he was beheaded as was the custom of the day for criminals of prominence. Because Paul was a Roman Citizen, he was beheaded rather than crucified as befits the customs of the day. This final letter to Timothy was filled with pleas to not allow false teaching to sift into the preaching of the gospel. Even in the early days of the church there was apostasy. Legalism, prosperity gospel, new age were already doctrines that were rapidly distorting the truth of the gospel with men seeking after their own lusts.
2 Timothy 3: This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
So, how do we know where to turn?
Timothy 3: 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
We must remain diligent in our studies of God’s word. We must carefully pray and allow the Holy Spirit to help us in discerning truth as He is the great teacher. Let me say there are many good teachers of God’s words; but let me share with you the websites for some that are a regular diet for me. These are men that I know serve God and teach God’s word with great humility, grace; always diligent to speak uncompromising truth.
Dr. Michael Youssef at http://www.leadingtheway.org
Dr. Charles Stanley at http://www.intouch.org/
John Piper at http://www.desiringgod.org/
David Jeremiah at http://www.davidjeremiah.org/site/
Alistair Begg at http://www.truthforlife.org/
I highly recommend all of these great teachers and in fact I have their apps on my phone so I may listen when driving in the car. It is important that we know the truth so that we may stand on biblical truth so as not to be swayed by so much false doctrine as may even be coming from some churches. I do not recommend that this is a substitute for reading your Bible, but it is a supplement to reading your Bible. Find a good, bible teaching church to be a part of.
"Truly, Lord, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet. It is your word that reveals your way to me and is my guide to prevent this heart from straying. My desire, Lord is to forever seek your face. Draw me nearer to thee with each passing day, so I might see Your magnificent Glory more brightly through Your word as it reveals You to me."