2 Timothy 4:1-18
It is the year A.D. 64, and the great apostle is lying in a damp Roman prison cell waiting for his final trial. Two charges are filed against him; one, taking part in the burning of Rome, July 19, A.D. 64; the other, treason, in attempting to change the established customs of society and weaken imperial authority. All his friends, except Luke, have forsaken him; he is becoming nerved for martyrdom; before his fate is sealed he writes a final farewell word to Timothy. He began, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Life is very serious. We are always standing before God and before the Judge. Our commonest days are judgment days. We should learn to do everything in the sight of God. This makes every word and act serious. If only we were more conscious of God and of eternity we should live better.
“Preach the word.” Timothy was not making the most of himself. He seems to have been indolent – he was not preaching with the burning ardour which should characterize a minister of Christ. Paul wished to stir him up to do better work. He charges him to preach the Word, not only in season – at the stated times of public service – but out of season, wherever and whenever he had opportunity. Many of us are not making the most of our life. We are not doing our best in our efforts to help save the world. From this Roman prison comes the call to everyone to arouse his best energies in behalf of the kingdom of Christ.
“Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering.” The minister is to watch the souls entrusted to his care as a shepherd watches his sheep. Perhaps a word at the right time may prevent their wandering altogether away. Yet no duty of friendship is so difficult as that of reproof or rebuke. Too often the word of admonition is sharp, bitter, and censorious. Paul wisely adds that we need to have all long-suffering in our exhorting or rebuking of others. Words of reproof should always be spoken in love and patience.
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