Note 13 at 2 Tim. 4:3: The word "for" is used here as a conjunction which ties verse three to the previous sentence in verses one and two. As a conjunction, it is defined as, "because; since" (NAHD).

Therefore, Paul is saying that the goal of preaching the Word in and out of season, and using it for reproof, rebuke and exhortation is because there is coming a time when people will not receive that ministry of the Word. Timothy had a window of opportunity at that present time which he needed to take advantage of.

There are periods of time in history and in every individual's life when people are more receptive to the Word of God than at other times. For instance, times of great loss, such as with the death of a loved one, often soften a person's heart towards the Lord. National crises such as war or natural disasters tend to do the same thing.

We don't wait on calamity or other occurrences to make special opportunities to preach the Word. The very context of this verse says we are to "preach the word in season and out of season" (v. 2). But we do need to know which season it is and take full advantage of the special opportunities.

Note 14 at 2 Tim. 4:3: As explained in note 13 at this verse, this could be speaking about times that occur in every individual's life and in every generation, when our hearts become insensitive to God's Word. But there is also a probable fulfillment of this prophecy in the end times.

In 2 Thessalonians. 2:11-12, Paul prophesied that in the end times the Lord would send a strong delusion on those who rejected the truth of God's Word (see notes 22-23 at 2 Th. 2:11, p. 1254). The results would be gross hardness of heart to the things of God (see note 3 at Mk. 8:17, p. 258).

Our generation does not seem to be in that condition as a whole yet, but there are signs of growing ignorance and apathy to God's Word. It constrains us to take advantage of the openness to God's Word that remains because a worse time is coming when there will be no receptivity to God's Word.

Note 15 at 2 Tim. 4:3: Paul's admonition to reprove, rebuke, and exhort through the preaching of God's Word is spoken of here as sound doctrine. The word "sound," as used here, means "uncorrupt" (Strong). So, any doctrine that doesn't have a place for reproof and rebuke isn't sound.

Note 16 at 2 Tim. 4:3: The Greek word "KNETHO" that was translated "itching" in this verse literally means "to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to tickle" (Strong). Thayer renders this Greek word as meaning, "desirous of hearing something pleasant." Paul is clearly describing a time when preachers will minister for the applause of people instead of the approval of God. They will be desirous of hearing pleasant things said about them. The Living Bible translates this ". . .people won't listen to the truth, but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear."

But the true ministry of God's Word will not always produce pleasant things being said. There are unpleasant times when we need to be rebuked or challenged (see ref. h at this v.). Ministers need to take extreme caution not to preach just what people want to hear, but what the Lord wants them to say. It is easy to get to where the motivation for ministry is the recognition of men instead of the approval of God. Keeping a pure heart before God is the only safeguard against "itching ears."