“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” – 2Timothy 4: 2 (NLT)
“The Great Commission is not an
option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed". – Hudson Taylor.
Preaching. What does preaching in 2Timothy 4:2 mean to me? Is it only for pastors? Since according to the context, Timothy was a bishop of Ephesus. Paul reminds us to preach the Holy Scripture in whatever situation we face. Either in a favorable situation –when there is no obstacle to preach, or in an unfavorable one – when the situation or people around are against preaching the Word. Paul also reminds us that there are times when proclaiming the truth would be awkward, difficult, or resisted.
This verse - “Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” – is not only for pastor, is it? It is for all of us according to the Great Commission. In Matthew 28: 18-20 Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”.
Jesus commands us to make disciples of all nations. In Mark 16:15 (NLT) He says, “go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone”. You and I are sent to a mission: Making disciples in our world or our systems. What is our world or systems? It is our nuclear family, our extended family, our colleagues, our community of the same hobbies and interests, at school, around our neighborhood or any systems God calls us.
Back to our Bible reading, 2Timothy 4:2 is about making disciples. It applies to all of us. Sometimes, we are worried about what we have to say or preach. There is no need to worry, because He who calls us has all authority in heaven and on earth and will equip us to his own glory and excellence. He who equipped Moses and Timothy, will equip us as well. Besides, it’s not about us, it is all about He who sends us.
As the Father sent His Son to the world, and now the Son sends us, his disciples, to multiply. To God be the glory.
Reflection on 2Timothy 4:1-8 by Veralin Uneputty
(Listen to the Podcast here)
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