TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18
Preach the
word; be prepared in season and out of season.2
Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word in All
Seasons
In modern American culture, we think like consumers.
We look for special deals. We want great products at rock-bottom prices. We
expect to be treated as if the customer is king. Unfortunately this sometimes
extends to our churchgoing. We want to feel comfortable. The music should meet
our preferences. The ministries should meet our needs. The church should give
us the best value or outcome for our input.
Christians treating their faith like a consumer
product is not a new phenomenon. Some in the Ephesian church also had this
attitude. They wanted preaching that tickled their ears and satisfied their
felt needs (vv. 3–4). Paul, though, warned Timothy to be committed to sound
doctrine and to proclaiming it at all times under all conditions. Since the
right time had arrived in God’s plan and the mystery of Christ had been
revealed, all times are now right for sharing the gospel and preaching and
teaching the Word.
Paul framed the charge to his young pastor friend
with high solemnity. He called God and Jesus as witnesses and contextualized
his words in terms of God’s kingdom and Jesus’ return (v. 1). The charge itself
is found in verse 2. Timothy’s main task is to “preach the word,” divided into
several smaller tasks of correcting, rebuking, and encouraging.
This should be done with great care—instructing
others in Scripture is a serious responsibility—and patiently, indicating that
ministry means ongoing relationships. It should also be done consistently or at
all times, not based on convenience or when people feel like it.
Furthermore, obedience to this charge won’t be easy
(v. 5). Preaching the Word will mean being under pressure and enduring
hardship. Even so, all times are the right time to obey and pursue our calling
from God.
Taken
from the Word for You Today Devotional
No comments:
Post a Comment