“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
2 Timothy 4:2
Paul speaks directly in this verse to Timothy as a preacher, and to all who deliver God’s Word regularly. His exhortation is simple: Preach the Word. But the truths and motivations he gives are powerful.
Preachers are given their task “in the presence of God … who will judge the living and the dead” (v. 1). You see, the call to preach is a matter of life and death, and God Himself (not man) gives this command. Every time God’s Word goes out, heaven and hell are in the balance.
Preachers are called to their task whether the Word of God is received by the hearers or not. Some days it will be received; other days it will be rejected—“in season or out of season.” There may be the need for very direct speech, though it must be given through patience and the understanding that the preacher himself is a sinner, a work in progress of the Lord’s.
When you hear a Sunday sermon or listen to a podcast or radio broadcast, God is calling you to Himself to show you your need for Jesus. Pray for your pastors, that they would be faithful to the task.
Preachers are given their task “in the presence of God … who will judge the living and the dead” (v. 1). You see, the call to preach is a matter of life and death, and God Himself (not man) gives this command. Every time God’s Word goes out, heaven and hell are in the balance.
Preachers are called to their task whether the Word of God is received by the hearers or not. Some days it will be received; other days it will be rejected—“in season or out of season.” There may be the need for very direct speech, though it must be given through patience and the understanding that the preacher himself is a sinner, a work in progress of the Lord’s.
When you hear a Sunday sermon or listen to a podcast or radio broadcast, God is calling you to Himself to show you your need for Jesus. Pray for your pastors, that they would be faithful to the task.
Scripture Focus
2 Timothy 4:1-2
Insight
Father, do Your work through preachers. Give them strength for their task, and let us receive it with joy and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 25-26
- Psalm 116
- 1 Corinthians 7
