Reading: II Timothy
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry(II Tim. 4:1-5).
Few things are as demonized in today’s world as Biblical truths. God’s Word has become harsh and archaic to the modern ear, and for many, its rigid adherence to spiritual and moral absolutes has become a source of embarrassment and shame. In an effort to boost flagging memberships and reconnect with the outside world, more and more churches have taken to softening the perceived harshness of the Word by removing any reference to Godly absolutes and instead encouraging their congregations to “listen to the dictates of their conscience” and “follow the leadings of their hearts,” assuring their congregants that “God loves them just as they are” and “God wants them to be happy.” The world no longer desires to hear sound doctrine; it wants fables, which many teachers seem only too happy to provide.
In light of all of this, Paul’s charge to Timothy gains an urgency that we cannot afford to ignore. No longer can we read it merely as a formal ‘passing of the torch’ between godly men, but instead, we must accept it in all fullness and scope. Paul may have been speaking to Timothy, but his charge was laid on a much wider audience, an audience of which we are a vital member.
Having been reborn into the body of Christ, we have a responsibility, both to ourselves and the rest of the world, to live openly in His Word. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid (Matt. 5:14). Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (5:16). Furthermore, we are obligated to share the Word with everyone we come into contact with. And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). In a world that has devoted itself to promoting false teachings, we must stand firm in our faith and never at any time waver on what we know to be true. Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. God’s Word holds the key to unlocking salvation, but it becomes powerless when modified. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it (Deut. 14:32). It is our responsibility, and our greatest privilege, to ensure that the truth can still be heard loud and clear by all who chose to hear it.
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ (I Pet. 3:15-16).
Thought for Today: The power of God’s Word can’t be appropriated. When repurposed by another, it is no longer His, thus rendering it meaningless.
Cross Reference: For II Tim. 2:19: See Num. 16:5; also Nah. 1:7.
Word Studies: 2:4 entangleth himself = becomes involved; 2:23 gender strifes = create or beget quarrels; 3:3 incontinent = without self-control; 4:15 be thou ware = be aware, be on guard.
Pray For Staff:Jennifer Palafox • Government Officials:Rep. Mark Takano (CA), Rep. Austin Scott (GA), Sen. John Boozman (AR) • Country: Latvia (2,165,165) Eastern Europe • Major Languages: Latvian, Russian • Religious Freedom • 19.6% Lutheran; 15.3% Orthodox; 1% Other Christian; 0.4% Other; 63.7% Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and call upon the Lord with assurance that He will answer if you pray with a godly spirit free from sin (Is. 58:9-11).