Preach the Gospel

II Tim 4:1-5: “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Paul knew his time was short on this earth. He was convicted under Nero and knew that his punishment was going to be soon. He was writing to impart some pastoral wisdom to his son in the faith. His last charge was to inspire and motivate Timothy to preach the gospel of Christ with passion and conviction. Paul’s charge was to, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” Paul was telling the young pastor that the gospel of Christ is a 24/7 event. It is not just meant for the Sunday services. Paul was telling Timothy to preach at a moments notice. Be ready to give an account for the Joy that is welling up inside of you.

We are also called to preach the gospel in season and out of season. We, as Christ-followers are called to give an account of the hope that we have. To preach means to proclaim. We all can proclaim the good news of Jesus. We do that so we can help people know the truth. Paul said that people would follow the doctrines that fulfill their own desires and lusts. Some people will follow the teachings that will make sin acceptable. They will turn their ears from the solid doctrine and bow to a teaching that fits our culture today. Remember that what God called sin two thousands years ago, is still sin. God does not change His mind just because it is acceptable in today’s world. You might say, “is that not intolerance?” The answer is yes. God is still intolerant toward sin. That is why Jesus’ sacrifice is still the only way to heaven. Does that mean Christ-followers are to hate liars, thieves, murderers, homosexuals, adulterers, or even little boys who throw temper tantrums in Wal-Mart?, Of course not. We are all sinners, and I sin daily. However, my goal is to be more like Jesus. Therefore, I strive to hate my sin and not continue therein. Moreover, I strive to hate the sin and not the sinner. Jesus calls us to love one another!

If the bible tells me to do something, or if I read what Jesus wants me to do and I do not do it, I am sinning. If I continue in my sin, I cheapen the death of Jesus on an old rugged cross. If I cheapen His sacrifice, then how dare I!

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Jer. 29-30 New Testament Titus 1