“REMEMBER, YOU WANTED THIS!”

Text: 2 Timothy 4:3–4 (NKJV)

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”

 Introduction:

There are sermons that comfort the afflicted. This one is to afflict the comfortable.

Because if you’re offended by this Word, I’m here to remind you:

REMEMBER, YOU WANTED THIS!

This is what happens when a generation rejects the fire of truth for the fog of fantasy.

They don’t want shepherds who guard the flock. They want cheerleaders who affirm the wolves.

 I. Itching Ears and Empty Souls

Let’s take it from the top:

 Key Verse Breakdown – 2 Timothy 4:3–4,

“They will not endure sound doctrine…”

That word “endure” means they’ll get tired of truth. Tired of being convicted. Tired of hearing “Thus saith the Lord.”

but according to their own desires…”

Desire becomes doctrine.

Opinion becomes theology.

Emotion replaces truth.

*“…they will heap up for themselves teachers…”**

  “Heap” in Greek (σωρεύω – sōreuō) means to pile up, like stacking false prophets like firewood for hell’s bonfire.

*“…turn their ears away from the truth…”**

  You can’t listen to truth and lies at the same time. One will go quiet. And in many churches today — it’s the truth that’s been silenced.

 II. You Chose the Echo Over the Trumpet

 Illustration:

Imagine going to the doctor, and instead of diagnosing cancer, he tells you:

“You’re just tired. Try a smoothie.”

That’s what we’re doing in pulpits today —

Prescribing marshmallows for stage 4 spiritual disease.

You didn’t want a prophet; you wanted a parrot.

You didn’t want a preacher; you wanted a puppet.

 III. Famous Quotes That Echo Today’s Problem

Vance Havner once said:

“The devil is not fighting religion; he’s too smart for that. He’s producing a counterfeit Christianity so much like the real one that good Christians are afraid to speak out against it.”

A.W. Tozer warned:

“The church that can’t worship must be entertained. And men who can’t preach are replaced by clowns who can’t be taken seriously.”

And what did Jesus say?

Matthew 15:8–9 – “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

IV. The Cost of Comfortable Lies

When we demand smooth words (Isaiah 30:10),

When we insist on motivational speeches instead of Holy Ghost preaching,

When we cancel preachers who cry aloud and spare not (Isaiah 58:1),

God lets us have what we want.

And with it comes confusion, compromise, and judgment.

Romans 1:24 – “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness…”

Amos 8:11 – “Behold, the days are coming… that I will send a famine… Not a famine of bread… but of hearing the words of the Lord.”

 V. But You Don’t Have to Stay There,

Let me be clear: You may have chosen wrong, but you can still choose right.

The cross still stands.

The blood still speaks.

The Spirit still calls.

Jeremiah 6:16 – “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it…”

God will forgive you for rejecting truth — if you return.

But He won’t excuse you for continuing to build altars to lies.

 VI. Final Charge and Altar Call

You say, “But I didn’t know…”

The Word says, “Now you do.”

You say, “But I was deceived…”

The Word says, “Test the spirits!” (1 John 4:1)

So here’s your choice:

1. Keep piling up false teachers…

2. Or let the Word of God tear down your idols.

Because if your preacher can’t call out sin, then he can’t call down fire.

And if your church never mentions Hell — that’s probably where it’s headed.

 Conclusion:

I don’t know who needed this Word.

But I know you asked for it — whether in rebellion, curiosity, or desperation.

And today, God delivered.

So if this message burned — good. That means there’s still some sensitivity in your soul.

Let the flame of truth purify you before the fire of judgment consumes you.

REMEMBER, YOU WANTED THIS.

But now — the question is:

 Do you want what God wants?

 Sinner’s Prayer:

> *“Lord Jesus, I confess I’ve followed what felt good instead of what was true.

> I’ve wanted comfort over conviction, applause over repentance.

> Forgive me. Cleanse me.

> Give me a hunger for sound doctrine and a heart that desires You more than entertainment.

> I surrender to You — the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

> In Jesus’ name. Amen.

##  Free Resources from docbmedia.com:

*“Wake-Up Words”** – A weekly newsletter of no-compromise truth.

*“One-Minute Warnings”** – Video devotions for short attention spans with eternal consequences.

*“The Watchman’s Creed”** – A bold declaration for ministers refusing to bow to culture.

With all reverence and boldness,

docbmedia.com

A Voice for Truth in a World of Echoes