2 Timothy 4 - 4.15.26

Scripture

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Tim 4:2)

Observation

The books of 1st and 2nd Timothy are Paul’s instructions to a young pastor, Timothy. In these verses, Paul reminds Timothy of his first and foremost mandate and calling which is to preach the word. Be prepared in season and out of season. As children of God, we cannot take a vacation from our relationship with Christ. Our identity is that we are the children of the most High God. We need to be prepared at all times to preach the word, in season and out of season. 

As a spiritual father or mother, it is important to correct, rebuke and encourage the people whom God has entrusted us with to mentor. Those of us who are parents correct and discipline our children when they don’t do the right things. Correction is never pleasant to the child, but it is the duty of the parent. The parent disciplines the child so that he/she grows up to be a Godly adult. Similarly it is our responsibility to correct our spiritual children, when we see them going into sin. If we keep silent and do not correct them so that we remain in their good books, we are not being good stewards and God will judge us (Ezek 3:18).

The original Greek language in which the New Testament was written, is a much richer language than today’s English. I like the Amplified Classical (AMPC) version of the Bible, because it uses more English words to translate a Greek word, so that it conveys the original intent of the Greek phrase. 

This is how this verse is written in AMPC: “Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable. [Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.] And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.”

Application 

We need to be ready all the time (in season and out of season) to share the gospel, when God presents an opportunity. We don’t know when the opportunity would come, so we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and walk with God everyday.

All of us are called to be spiritual fathers and mothers. The great commission in Matthew 29:19 says “go and make disciples of all nations”. This commandment is applicable to all of us.

This involves investing in the lives of the people God brings to us and helping them grow in their relationship with Christ. It includes teaching them God’s Word regularly and correcting them when they fall into sin.

Prayer

Father, I praise you and thank you for making me your child. Please help me to be ready in season and out of season to preach your word (2 Tim 4:2). Help me to draw closer to you everyday. Please pour your Spirit upon me (Acts 2:17). Help me to be filled with your Spirit (Eph 5:18). I pray that the word of Christ will dwell in me richly (Col 3:16). Please give me the tongue of the learned, so that I should know how to speak a word in season to him one is weary (Isa 50:4). Please open my eyes and help me to move out of my comfort zone to serve you. Please take me to the people I need to disciple, and help me to invest into the lives of those you bring to me. Help me to use the gift I have received from you to serve others, as faithful steward of your grace (1 Peter 4:10). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

- Asha Chacko George