Tag: sound mind
Preach the Word!
Scripture reading for December 8th: 2 Timothy 1-4
The second letter of Paul to Timothy is widely believed to be the last written by the Apostle before his execution in Rome. His final words of encouragement to this young man should also be encouraging to us. Living in these last days requires focus. We can easily be overcome by fear at the events unfolding around us. Let’s listen with our hearts open to the Lord to Paul’s final words.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
Timothy came from good stock. His mother and grandmother were both Jewish believers. They had faith which was alive in them. They were not timid but were filled with power and love because of their personal knowledge of God. Paul had sensed the call of God on Timothy and had prayed over him for God’s gifts to come forth. One gift was that of pastor and teacher. This gift involved preaching and teaching God’s Word.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17
Paul warned Timothy of coming persecution and deception. The best defense was continuing in the word of God. This is the word that was taught him by his mother and grandmother as well as his mentor, Paul himself. It is the best equipment for a man or woman of God.
“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.” 2nd Timothy 4:1-2
The presence of the Lord with Paul and his understanding of God’s judgment of each person at Christ’s appearing caused him to give Timothy a simple charge. He told him to preach the Word of God. The Word is always in season. It should be used to correct people, to rebuke those in known sin and to encourage them to prepare for Christ’s coming. Take this simple charge to your heart today and let it move you to action! It’s in season no matter what time of year!