2 Timothy 4:1-8 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: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Paul underscores the urgency of his exhortations to Timothy. The Greek word for I charge is used in connection with a solemn and emphatic testimony in a court of law.Timothy is to preach the word with equal urgency when circumstances are favorable or unfavorable.
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Paul bases his urgent appeal on the fact that people will prefer fables to truth (2 Timothy 4:3-4) and on the reality of his imminent death. In light of the contemporary situation, Timothy’s responsibility was to be faithful in fulfilling his ministry
Paul told Timothy to correct, rebuke and encourage the faithful. It is difficult to accept correction, to be told we have to change. But no matter how much the truth hurts, we must be willing to listen to it so we can obey God fully .
As Paul was near to the end of his life, he could confidently say that he had been faithful to his call. Thus, he faced death calmly, knowing that he would be rewarded by Christ. Is your life preparing you for your death? Do you share Paul’s confident expectation of meeting Christ? Are you confident of receiving the crown of life? Please, arise to the task of preaching the word of God so as to expand the church of Christ.
Peace be unto you as you start to proclaim the word.