2 Tim 4:1-5 “Preach the Word”

Jon Beck

My sermon notes for Sunday morning, July 11th. Remember, these are my personal study notes and not a manuscript of the sermon.  They are provided to help you follow the sermon as you listen each week. The church provides a live stream of the service each Sunday at 10:45 on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistavonpark/  We also provide the services through YouTube on our website by Sunday afternoon at www.fbcap.net

2 Tim 4:1-5

Intro thoughts:

  • Paul is encouraging Timothy of the dangers that lay ahead for the church and his ministry. (Remember 2 Tim 3)
  • The last charge to Timothy as the letter comes to a close.
  • 2 Timothy 3:17 – that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)
  • EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK….A rally cry…PREACH THE WORD?

THE CHARGE– vv. 1-2

I charge you in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ

  • Divine Charge from God.  Therefore, it should be taken seriously
  • Also used as testimony. Paul is giving the charge in the court setting in the presence of God!

Preach the Word

  • Be a herald.  Declare openly. Publicly proclaim the message the King has given you. (That was the job of the herald)
  • More than just believing it is God’s Word… We are to PROCLAIM IT AS GOD’S WORD.
  • Word=Scripture. Remember the message from last week. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

The importance of the Word is throughout:

  • 2 Tim. 1:8 – Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord
  • 2 Tim. 1:13 – Follow the pattern of sound words
  • 2 Tim 2:2 – what you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also
  • 2 Tim. 2:15 – worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth
  • 2 Tim. 2:24 – A servant of the Lord… must be able to teach
  • 2 Tim. 3:16 – All Scripture is breathed out by God

THE TIME FRAME – v. 2b

Be ready

  • Prayed up and Prepared.
  • We cannot share what we do not know.
  • To share the Word… we must be a person of the Word
  • 1 Peter 3:15 –  but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (ESV)

In Season and Out of Season

  • Every day and on every occasion
  • When they want to hear it and when they do not (good and bad)
  • There is never a time where the Word is not necessary or sufficient.

THE IMPACT – v. 2c

It has the power to change the whole person – mind, actions, and encouragement of the will.

Reprove – Tell the truth about sin.  Expose and point out.

  • For the purpose of conviction.  So that they will turn from sin

Rebuke – Criticize Sharply

  • Urgency and authority. Strong disapproval.
  • Paul uses only once
  • Jesus uses often
    • Matt. 8:26 – the elements
    • Matt 17:18 – the demonic
    • Luke 17:3 – if your brother sins…then

Exhort – Encourage

  • Come alongside of
  • Aid, help, comfort
  • Gal. 6:1-6 – Gently restore

With Complete patience and teaching

  • The Who: We must learn to deal with people.  WE ARE PEOPLE PERSONS.
  • The How: With patience and teaching
    • Not harsh, sarcastic, or judgmental
    • With endurance. Carefully instructing.

THE NEED – vv. 3-4

For a time is coming

  • Opposition is to be expected.
  • The church has always been persecuted.

Will not endure sound teaching

  • REMEMBER, we live in a fallen world. THE DEPRAVED WILL NOT EMBRACE THE TRUTH.
  • Their response should not curtail our desire to proclaim.

Will have itching ears

  • A desire for variety. Curiosity.

Accumulate teachers to meet their passions

  • BINGO… their passions.  WHAT I THINK AND DESIRE rather than what God has provided.

Turn from truth and wander to into myths

  • Narrow verse wide gate
  • Truth is narrow.  Untruth is wide
  • Deny the absolute truths of God and believe a myth/fable

THE PERSON– v. 5

As vessels of the Lord, we must be people of the Lord.

Always soberminded

  • Pay careful attention. Watchful in all things.
  • Sober – free from intoxications.  FREE FROM THE THINGS OF THE WORLD.  THE CONTINUOUS MOVEMENTS WITHIN CHURCH CIRCLES…one thing after another.

Endure suffering

  • Get ready for tough times
  • The victory is won, yet we are in a battle

Do the work of an evangelist

  • Keep sharing the Gospel.  Fulfilling the Great Commission.
  • We do what we do so people will trust in the GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST
  • Saved and Growing!

Fulfill your ministry

  • Do what God is calling you to do.
  • FOR YOU. YOUR MINISTRY.

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