2 Timothy 4:1-8

2 Timothy 4:1-8

Because Jesus is coming again, all who lead are called on to preach the word. What is not said is important. Paul does not call Timothy to be successful. The growth of the congregation or the kingdom is never mentioned. Kingdom growth is going to happen above our pay grade. The call is to proclaim the word. Interestingly, there are no “seasonal concerns” about preaching. Without regard to timing, preach the word. 

Timothy is given three directions and two habits. 

First he has to reprove, which means “correct or show with solid evidence.” Second rebuke, literally it means “with proper measure,” but it’s always used in the sense of censure. Third, he is to exhort. This is a compound word that comes from “close by” and “to call.” All these words address direct and personal confrontation of sin or the steps leading towards it. Do not miss that this is directly and personally administered. This is not part of the “better personal life” teaching that makes up much of the teaching in the church today. 

Timothy is to do this out of the habits of patience and sound doctrine. Patience literally means “long passion.” He is to be passionate about the work over the long haul. He is to do this with “sound doctrine” or instructions, which means the “established teaching.” Do this by returning to the roots of the faith that are so well established. Don’t try to craft new teaching for old immorality, which typically turns into compromise. Paul calls for this long-term commitment and corrective teaching because there comes a time when people will not put up with “sound teaching.” Sound teaching or doctrine in verse 3 is from the same family of root words as instruction in verse 2.

The market for teachers who will tickle the ears of their audience is neither new nor ever exhausted. Paul uses ‘ears’ rather than ‘heart’ because the false teachers sound good, but their teaching can’t be examined too closely. Close examination of the heart level will blow over their theological house of cards. So they make sure that their teachings never get past sounding good.

This life of ministry is a hard life and calling. Timothy must take his work seriously; that is what sober means in verse 5. A minister must suck it up when it is hard and faithfully tell the good news. The battle against the itchy ears crowd will never end. Congregations will have a passion to hear what makes them feel good. They will, if possible, use the salary of a minister to keep him saying what they want to hear. And if it doesn’t work, they will allow the wicked and dysfunctional to oppose his ministry. Paul, nearing his end, describes it as a lifelong battle. His departure will mean that there is going to be a vacuum on the front lines of the battle. He is calling Timothy to step up to the fight and take a place on the line. For our day we must rethink everything about the role of minister and evangelist in light of what Paul says to Timothy in this passage. Have we completely missed the boat in the way we should do ministry? It is certainly time to ask!

“Lord, help me take a hard and serious look at my life. AMEN”