II Timothy 4
Outline
1-5 | Preach the Word – no matter what!
6-8 | Paul ready for heaven
9-15 | Paul’s supporters and opponents
16-18 | Gentiles hear the Gospel
19-21 | Greetings to and from various people
22 | Benediction
Reflections
Paul is sure that his time on earth is drawing to a close and so he gives one final plea for Timothy to use the gift God has given him to preach the gospel.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 NASB I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. 5 But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Let’s consider the content of the preaching. First and foremost, Jesus.
Next 3 styles, as it were, to employee (definitions from Dictionary.com)
- Reprove – “to criticize or correct, especially gently.”
- Rebuke – “to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand.”
- Exhort – “to urge, advise, or caution earnestly; admonish urgently.” or “to give urgent advice, recommendations, or warnings.”
Paul clarifies the attitude that this preaching, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting is to be done: “with great patience and instruction.” Just as God has been patient with us, so to we are to be patient with others.
Lord God, I pray that the leaders that You have blessed with the gift of teaching and preaching will not shrink back from using their gifts to reprove, rebuke, and exhort people to turn to You for salvation that can only truly be from You through faith in Your Son Jesus. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
