PROFITABLE PREACHING 2 Timothy 3: Timothy 4:1-8

Introduction What is it that we consider profitable? To men this has been a question of considerable controversy for quite some time. We might say that what might be considered as profitable preaching to some; wouldn't necessarily fit in that category with others. My preaching might be too harsh for some members or too soft for others.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” Profitable means there is an advantage to it. It produces something more that what is begun with.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 Teaching, Reproof, Correction, Instruction in Righteousness; So that—the result Fully prepared or conditioned for the works of God He has called you to do.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, preach the word, be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with great patience and instruction”.

2 Timothy 4:1-2 Apostle charges his follower: In the heavenly realm—the spiritual realm. Preach the word—limited to the word as revealed through the apostles (Galatians 1:8-9) Be ready all the time—so be studied up and prepared. Reprove, rebuke, exhort With patience and education.

Unprofitable Preaching Deluding the hearers, keeping them guessing, leading them astray. Scratching their ears, to keep them coming. Playing on their emotions with death bed stories and tear jerking tales. Speculative and assumptive preaching, making great plays on things that are not revealed, talking about where Cain got his wife, and what Jesus wrote on the ground.

Unprofitable Preaching Apologetic preaching -- preaching the word of God and then apologizing for what it said. Preaching the truth in a general way, not pinpointing any sin or good. Abusing the truth by throwing off on people with the use of it, as to say, "I have you where I want you now and I am going to let you have it with both barrels." Sure it is alright and proper to preach the truth with zeal but do it with love in your heart for all. Seasoned with salt.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.”

2 Timothy 4:3-4 Will not endure sound teaching. This has been going on since the days of Moses. Selfishness—what I want— Whatever it takes to satisfy me. If you wont teach me what I want to hear, I will find someone else who will. Myths, perversions, lies—anything but the truth of God.

Profitable Preaching Is effective only if profitable hearing is present. Closed ears do not receive the message. Psalm 40:8 “I delight to do Thy will, O my God; Thy law is within my heart”. Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

2 Timothy 4:5-8 “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of mt departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will aware to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

Conclusion There is a reward for teaching God’s word We must not forget that all of us have the charge to do the work of an evangelist. Each of us has a ministry (service to perform). Let us all seek that great reward of the crown of righteousness. Invitation.