Preach the Word

Introduction:

How important is the Word ofGod? Most of us would say, very important! However, in the grand scheme of things, the preaching of the word is absolutely the essential to the growth of individual believers, and subsequently the growth of the true church. Why is this? Well, last week we saw that the Holy Scriptures are none other then God breathed, and therefore are profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

As we have seen thus far, Paul as he writes to his young protege Timothy, for the last time, he instructs him how he is to entrust faithful men to protect, use, and pass on the sacred trust of the gospel. Now here in this passage he charges him to Preach the Word, as if this is THE essential tool in carrying out his sacred task. We will also see that once again, there will be resistance from within the church, but even though this resistance exists, this charge must be carried out.

Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Main Idea: Because the Scriptures are God breathed, the man of God must preach them whether convenient or not.

1. The Charge for Preaching the Word (v. 1-2a)

Charge - to exhort concerning grave or important matters, legally bound through the presence of credible witnesses.

This is not the first time Paul charged Timothy:

1 Timothy 5:21 ESV

21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

a) The charge given in the presence of divine witnesses

It’s as if Paul is making clear that this charge is given and bound to Timothy as a sacred oath by none other then God Himself!

b) The charge given in view of the coming kingdom

Paul is saying that the judge of all the earth, both living and dead is about to appear, and he must give account of his faithfulness.

c) The charge given is centered on being a herald of the scriptures

Preach (herald) - to proclaim before public; is to make known officially and publically a matter of great significance.

This is not some weakened moral or religious discourse that is so common today

The Word - the presence of the definite article shows us that this is not some vain philosophy or human pragmatic motivational speech, but the God-breathed sacred scriptures Paul tells us about in 2 Tim 3:16-17.

This is the basis for the next four imperatives.

2. The Purpose in Preaching the Word (v. 2b)

This purpose is defined by four imperatives, all used in the aorist tense, thus indicating a snapshot in time that is associated with the normal activity of the man of God.

a) The purpose requires an always ready urgency

Be Ready - in season and out of season; welcomed or not welcomed. “On the spot” with the message from God. In other words, be always prepared

How do we prepare for such an assignment?

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

b) The purpose is to patiently teach in order to bring about correction

Note that this next three imperatives assume the right to command according to the authority of the Word.

Reprove - using the word to bring about conviction of sin so as the cultivate repentance

Rebuke - the idea of not toning down sin but sharply reprimanding the sinner

Exhort - to admonish, satisfying the demands of love; fatherly admonition. Like a father begging his son in tears to turn from his sinful ways.

Modifying each of these three imperatives with the beautiful phrase, with complete patience and teaching.

3. The Resistance to Preaching the Word (vv. 3-4)

For - explains why there is such an urgency to this charge.

a) The resistance to sound teaching is certain (v. 3a)

Note the use when, and will not, which shows that this is not something that may happen but something that will happen.

b) The resistance results from wanting to hear teachers that tell us what we want to hear (vv. 3b-4)

Itching ears - desire that someone scratch where they itch. Since the Word of God causes them to itch, telling them what they want to hear relieves, or scratches the itch.

This scratching the itch is very popular and draws a great following

4. The Preparation for Preaching the Word (v. 5)

Paul here gives Timothy four more imperatives that prepare Timothy for what he will experience as he carries out his charge

a) Preparation of the mind (v. 5a)

be sober Minded - to be in your right mind, not intoxicated by fame or wanting to be loved by those with itchy ears.

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

b) Preparation for perseverance in ministry (v. 5b)

endure suffering - we already learned in in 2 Tim 3:10-12, that this is to be expected

do the work of an evangelist - one who heralds the good news

fulfill your ministry - this command may be the compilation of the other three…its like saying, with your right mind, in the environment of suffering, be a herald of the Gospel, and when you persevere through this, you will have fulfilled your ministry!