Hosea 4:6-11 (KJV)
6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.
8 They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity.
9 And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.
10 For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD.
11 Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.
Not only were the people rejected by God the priest who were supposed to serve the one true God were also rejected. The priests were living off the sin offerings that were supposed to be given to God. The priest had wondered off the narrow path and the sheep (the people of Israel) followed them and sinned against the one true God.
False teachers and pastors today are doing the same things. They are wandering away from the narrow path. Using the word of God to increase their own wealth and prosperity. While others begin on the narrow path but as their ministry and churches grow they must become more politically correct to pay the bills. These good men walk away from a pure gospel to tickle the ears of those who will listen.
By just tickling the ears man cannot be saved. The thing that will save man is a pure gospel the knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Dear Lord: Allow me to be able to present a pure gospel, an opportunity to continue to share the only way to your presence is through your son Jesus. Give me the opportunity to share the gospel so I once again can see the miracle of salvation.
In Jesus name I pray amen.