Paul feared that Timothy was losing his passion for ministry because of the tremendous pressure coming from false teachers, immature people in the church, and persecutors of the church. Out of concern for Timothy, Paul wrote this letter and challenged him to “stir up the gift of God…for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Instead of fearing people, Paul commanded Timothy to be more concerned about God’s view of him. One day Jesus will “judge the living and the dead at his appearing and His kingdom” (4:1). This was Paul’s way of reminding Timothy that God was watching his ministry and in the future will evaluate him according to his faithfulness. Then, with passion in his pen Paul writes “Preach the word! Be instant in season and out of season” (4:2a). This means he should preach the gospel when it is popular and even when it is not. Preaching was to consist of convincing and rebuking (correcting sinful behavior) as well as exhorting and teaching (instructing in doctrine). Paul warns that the time would come when people will believe false teaching and only desire to hear what makes them feel good (4:2-4). Timothy was to preach the entire word of God without compromise and “be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your [his] ministry” (4:5). It is easier to quit than to continue doing something which is not popular, but Timothy was to be faithful in all things. Even when things got tough, he was to carry on. I believe the command is the same for those who name the name of Jesus Christ – we must faithfully spread the message of salvation to all people, tribes, tongues, and nations. We should not back down. We should not give up but we should be faithful until our work on earth is done!
Dear God, when I feel like quitting remind me of the great responsibility to preach Your word to all those who will hear. Help me never back down or never give up!
