I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 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. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Here Paul is near the end of his life, and is giving Timothy a very sobering reminder, “I charge you “ Or better “command” the Greek word has the idea of issuing a forceful order or directive. In the presence of God, even Christ Jesus, is probably the best rendering since He is about to be introduced as the judge. For everyone who ministers the Word of God is under a closer watch of scrutiny because of the importance of rightly dividing the Word of truth. Christ, who will judge—Paul is emphasizing the unique accountability that all believers, and especially ministers of the Word of God, have to Christ as Judge. For service to Christ is rendered both under His watchful eye and with the knowledge that as Judge He will one day appraise the works of every believer (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). This is not a judgment of condemnation, but one of evaluation. With regard to salvation, believers have been judged already and declared righteous -Through Christ they are no longer subject to the condemnation of sin. The entire written Word of God His complete revealed truth is contained in the Bible. Be ready in season and out of season—The Greek word word has a broad range of meanings, including suddenness, or forcefulness; Here the form of the verb suggests the complementary ideas of urgency, preparedness, and readiness. It was used of a soldier prepared to go into battle, or sentry guard on alert of enemy attack. These attitudes therefore are imperitive for a faithful preacher, especially one as young as Timothy was. The faithful preacher must proclaim the Word of God when it is popular and or convenient, and when it is not; when it seems suitable to do so, and when it seems not. The dictates of popularity of culture, traditions, or reputations of esteem in the community, (or in the church) must never altar the true message of God’s Word spoken of by any preacher, who’s commitment is to preach all of God’s Word. Convince, rebuke—The Greek word for “convince” refers to correcting behavior or false doctrine by using careful biblical truth to counter any argument against it.
Beloved friend, There is certainly much more on this subject, my desire is to feed those who are beggining in the Word a steady diet of sound biblical truth that will be of great help in your spiritual growth. Being ready for Christ’s return should be everyone’s focus, and preaching His Word, is how we prepare for His return.
May the Lord bless your walk!
love this site ! it’s a great site may i suggest you get an rss feed.
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed! Very helpful information specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.