Today’s Reading, 2 Timothy 1-4
Focal Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.”
Being called into ministry is not a very complex calling. What I mean by that is our expectations have been given to us clearly in the scriptures. We are told how the character of an elder should look. We are given the expectations of the work to be performed and then we are even challenged with what to speak. I am not saying ministry is easy because it is not. This is why one must be called to serve. We also know that ministry requires leadership and a heart for people.
However, there is one task that often gets neglected especially in today’s setting. This is where our reading has us today. Paul is again writing to his son in the faith. He gives him warning of what to expect in ministry and prepares him with love and wisdom. Then in our focal verse today Paul charges him with a mission. That mission is to preach the word. To be faithful in that task and always be ready to accomplish it daily. To reprove,rebuke, and encourage others. To be patient while teaching them the word. Paul is placing an emphasis on this task.
Leadership, vision casting, and meetings are needed to get things done for the church. However, the most important task is to preach Jesus and him crucified. To bring people face to face with the God of the Bible and expose them to every truth the Bible teaches. Good preaching makes much of Jesus and little of the person speaking. Good preaching brings people to a point of decision for salvation or for sanctification. When the word is proclaimed faithfully God will work in the people.
The challenge today is two fold. If you are a preacher stick to the word and preach it to them. Give them Jesus. Remind them who he is and what he has done and will do. Encourage them and be patient with them when it comes to the word.
The next cchallenge comes to church members. Allow your pastor time to study and pray for him to be a better preacher. Don’t focus on him but focus on what he is preaching about. The main point of every sermon should be Jesus. If not it might be time to look for another church. Corporate worship is time around the word learning about Jesus. Be wary of any preacher who makes himself or you the focal point of a message.
We are called to preach the Word and make much of Jesus. Trust the process and know God’s word will always do its work in due time.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Titus 1-3 & Philemon 1
