By Dr. Michael Weis
The Main Message
In life there are difficulties, disappointments, and demanding circumstances. One of the most challenging things to do in such situations is to stay faithful. We will all face hard times which challenge our faithfulness.
The apostle Paul was facing challenges at the end of his life, and he wrote about them in 2 Timothy. In his letter, or epistle, to his young disciple Timothy, Paul knew his death was near. Much of the letter consists of counsel and warning, but as much as anything, Paul’s primary message to Timothy is to stay faithful.
A Challenge and a Commission
In the first five verses of 2 Timothy 4: 1-5, Paul both challenges and commissions Timothy. He writes:
I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the [living] and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be [ready] in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering 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.
Notice the two “witnesses” before whom Paul’s commission is made: God and Christ Jesus (v. 1). Furthermore, Paul refers to Jesus as the One who will “judge the [living] and the dead” (v. 1). This implementing of two witnesses is important to the Jewish community because it refers to the Old Testament command in Deuteronomy 19:15: “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter shall be established.”
Paul is using courtroom-like language to challenge Timothy. This is Paul’s way of making clear to Timothy just how important this charge is. It’s one thing to be accountable to Paul, but an entirely different thing to be accountable to God the Father and God the Son.
The Charge
Timothy’s charge – that which he is to be faithful in – is to “preach the word … in season, out of season.” And this is your charge as well.
As a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, you are to be faithful to God’s Word no matter the circumstances. Wherever you find yourself, whatever situation you are in, whatever your role in society, you are to proclaim God’s truth. And you are to be faithful in declaring God’s Word in its entirety, not just the “easy” stuff, such as God’s love, but also the “hard” stuff such as God’s judgment.
Paul tells Timothy, and you, to be faithful to God’s Word “in season, out of season” (v. 2) – whether in favorable situations or hostile ones; in good times or hard times. Why is faithfulness to God’s Word so crucial? There are several correct answers to this question, but the one Paul focuses on is that there will come a day “when [people] will not endure sound doctrine” (v. 3). Things are getting that way now, but at the end of this age, it will be much worse. We need to be faithful to God’s Word now while people are still listening.
Just the Facts
In verse 4, Paul talks about truth versus myth. Sadly, today there are many myths taught as fact. Among them is “karma” – the belief that things we have done before, both good and bad, will come back to “repay” us at some future time. This thinking is prevalent. Other myths include evolution, reincarnation, and zodiac (or horoscope) charts. It is amazing the degree to which people embrace these things. It is even more amazing how many in the “church” are embracing them as well.
These myths are another reason why we must remain faithful to the teaching of God’s Word.
How to Remain Faithful
Knowing the challenges that await Timothy in his desire for him to remain faithful, Paul gives four commands which will help the young man to be successful. In verse 5, Paul tells Timothy to “watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
First, Timothy is to be clear-headed, and so are you. There is so much out there – religiously, politically, socially – to lead you astray; you must be focused on God’s Word. You need to think clearly and biblically regarding what God is saying in His Word. Don’t be fooled by hype, “fake news,” and hyperbole. Be sober in your thinking.
Second, you are to endure hardship. Be ready for persecution, because it is coming. Are you ready to suffer for the Name of Christ? Never give in to the thinking that the Christian life is easy. It isn’t, and things are going to get much worse.
Third, do the work of an evangelist. You don’t have to be a “professional” evangelist to do this. You are to share the Gospel no matter who you are or what you do. Initiate opportunities. Ask God to give you opportunities. Don’t forget your neighbors and those you run into every day. Tell them about Jesus.
And fourth, fulfill your ministry. All believers have a ministry. For some it’s being a parent. For some it’s being a pastor, a helper, a prayer warrior, or a teacher. Whatever God has given you to do, do it the best way you can. Be faithful to your ministry and embrace it.
The Challenge
Paul’s challenge to Timothy was to be faithful; to be faithful to the Lord, the Word, his ministry, and his calling. And this is your challenge as well.
May God bless you richly as you seek to be found faithful in these trying days.
Dr. Michael Weis is a pastor, video operator, editor, and social media manager at Zion’s Hope.
Zion's Hope 