Paul’s Charge To Timothy Paul's charge to Timothy - 2 Tim. 4:1-4 Paul’s Charge To Timothy 2 Tim. 4:1-4 N.T. Exp. Work of the church

Introduction Charge = To command or place a responsibility upon someone The charge involves God’s method of making known the gospel of Christ to the world

Introduction It is God’s will that men in every nation come to a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the means of preaching Mk. 16:15

Introduction It is the message preached that saves---that is when the message is believed and obeyed It is not just the act of preaching that saves – but obedience to the word of God that is taught

Introduction Rom. 10:13-14 Preaching/teaching involves the salvation of both the preacher/teacher and hearer 1 Tim. 4:16

“Preach The Word” Not just “preach”- but preach the word Ex. 3:14-15 Jonah 3:2 Mk. 16:15 Rom. 1:16

“Preach The Word” We must preach the truth-- all of it -- without fear or favor Gal. 1:10 2 Tim. 2:2

“Preach The Word” Many things have changed since the first century We now have T.V., internet, PowerPoint, modern means of travel etc. HOWEVER---THE MESSAGE IS THE SAME

“Preach The Word” We cannot improve upon God’s message of salvation

“In Season Out Of Season” When conditions are favorable and when they are unfavorable When they want to hear it and when they don’t want to hear it

“Reprove, rebuke” Reprove = correct, bring to light, expose, show one his fault, chasten Eph. 5:11-13 1 Tim. 5:20

“Reprove, rebuke” Rebuke = A stronger word than rebuke—bring the fault home to the offender One may be in error and needs to be convinced of the truth—and this is done by teaching or preaching

“Reprove, rebuke” Is this negative preaching/teaching? Yes - and sometimes it is needed Mt. 16: 6, 12 1 Tim. 4:1-2 Mt. 14: 1 ff

“Exhort” Exhort = To encourage people to follow a certain course or action or way of life---always looks to the future Comfort looks to the past while exhortation looks to the future

Paul's charge to Timothy - 2 Tim. 4:1-4 “Exhort” “the righteous are to be commended and urged to continue in the faith; the weak are to be encouraged to be zealous and be strong; and the afflicted are to be consoled.” Quote from B.C. Goodpasture N.T. Exp. Work of the church

“All longsuffering and doctrine (teaching)” The preaching/teaching Timothy was to do was to be with patience and forbearance It takes time and teaching to bring about changes in the hearts and lives of individuals

“All longsuffering and doctrine (teaching)” Those who preach and teach must be patient with people—enduring disappointments---patiently teaching individuals who may develop into faithful servants

“All longsuffering and doctrine (teaching)” Rom. 2:4 2 Pet. 3:9

“The time will come…” The time would come when members of the church would not be willing to endure sound teaching and would turn to false teachers WE ARE LIVING IN SUCH A TIME

“itching ears” Like animals who love to have their ears scratched Some brethren only want to hear what THEY WANT TO HEAR Isaiah 5:20

Conclusion Although many do not want to hear the truth – the command is still the same---PREACH THE WORD!