Preach the Word!

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

The last words of a loved one carry extra weight. If you’ve been with a friend or relative right before they die, you never forget the final words they say. This letter of 2 Timothy is the final letter that Paul wrote. Paul’s words in this chapter are like his last will and testament to Timothy, his son in the faith.

With God the Father and Jesus Christ as his witnesses, with his heart set on the resurrection of the dead, with his eyes focused on Jesus and his coming kingdom, Paul commanded Timothy: “Preach the word.”

Why? Paul just finished telling Timothy two vital things that are accomplished through God’s Word. First, the Scriptures “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Salvation is through faith in Jesus. Faith comes through hearing God’s Word. So, preach the Word!

Second, it’s through God’s Word that “the servant of God is thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16). It’s God’s Word that equips us for all that God has called us to do. So, preach the Word!

When? “In season and out of season.” Sometimes, sharing God’s Word seems natural: In church services. At Bible study. Through home devotions. But often, however, the best chances to share the Word seem “out of season.” At the doctor’s office. At the park. With that coworker. When you’re busy. Dear Christian, be prepared at all times! Whenever you have the opportunity, preach the Word!

How? “Correct, rebuke and encourage.” God’s Word can be summed up in two simple messages: The law and the gospel. The law of God corrects and rebukes us for our sins. It tells us that we could never save ourselves. All people need to hear that! But then the gospel of God encourages us. It tells us that Jesus Christ died on the cross to take our sins away and win for us eternal life through faith in him.

Preach the Word. That was Paul’s last will and testament to Timothy and to us: Preach the Word!

Dear Jesus, you used Paul to preach your Word and write your Word down for us. Help us heed his call to preach your Word, in season and out of season, so more people can be saved through you. Amen.

Pastor Nathan