2 Timothy 4:1–8

Recurrent Thought

Every Christian has received God's charge to faithfully proclaim the Gospel until Christ returns.

As Paul comes to the end his second Letter he invokes a solemn charge of responsibility to his Protégé Timothy, which by extension is our charge. Paul is writing from a Roman prison knowing that his execution is near (4:6). These are not casual words; they are the final instructions of an aging apostle to a younger minister. Although these verses are often times read at ordination, consecration and anniversary services, Paul's charge extends beyond pastors. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) was given to the whole Church. Every believer has been entrusted with the dissemination of the Gospel.

Acts 8:1-4 demonstrates this beautifully. When persecution scattered the believers, it was not primarily the apostles who preached throughout Judea and Samaria, it was ordinary Christians. It is a fact to admit that the early church grew because believers carried the Gospel wherever they went. WE must know that

Preaching is the essential and primary function of the church, the whole the Church.

On the Mind of Paul as he comes to the end of His life, is to emphasise that the transmission of the gospel is critical to the advancement of the Kingdom of God. To this well, the Church must have Faithful Men and Women of God. Discipling which demands followers to learn from the master, begins with recruiting the learners. This is where preaching is critically important. Preaching introduces potential followers to the claims of Jesus. Therefore, Apostle Paul writes passionately about the need to preach the gospel. Earlier on, He admonished Timothy to Pass the truth to faithful men; such men are first recruited, and then discipled.

In this message we deal with Six elements of sharing the gospel: We deal with the What, How, Who and Why of an preaching the gospel

1.The Call to Preach Stands On a Solemn Charge (Verse 1)

• It is solemn Charge. The term used is also translated as to Urge, to Appeal or to Order, like in a Military command.
• The Order is before a Divine Witness
• Paul places his charge in the presence of God and Christ Jesus.
• The Charge recognizes Jesus the Coming Judge:
• Jesus Christ will judge the living and the dead.
• The Charge Recognizes the Eternal Horizon:
• Ministry must be viewed in light of Christ’s future appearing and His kingdom. 

2.The Mandate Drives the Task (Verse 2)

The Text describes the What of Evangelism.

• The Task is to Preach (Herald) the Word:
• The Mandate to Go make Disciples of all Nations is the key driver of the Task of Preaching the Word. There are different words that are used for preaching in the New Testament. The one used here is the Greek verb of kērussō (κηρύσσω), meaning to proclaim as a herald. “Preaching in the New Testament. A herald in the Roman Empire did not invent the message, improve the message, or soften the message. His responsibility was simply to faithfully announce the king's decree. Likewise, Christians are not called to invent a new gospel. We proclaim God's message.
• The Task of Preaching the Gospel is for every Believer.
• Every believer has this responsibility Some assume evangelism belongs only to pastors or evangelists but it is for every believer.
• Acts 8:4 declares: "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word."
• The scattered believers were ordinary Christians. The early church spread because believers shared Christ in homes, marketplaces, workplaces, and along the roads—not merely inside church buildings. Therefore, very Christian has a mission field. It may be: your workplace, your school, your family, your neighborhood, your sporting club, or your friends. Wherever God has placed you, He has given you opportunities. Where God has placed you is where God has sent you.
• The Task is to Herald the News of Jesus the Crucified
• Paul never commanded Timothy to entertain people. He never said: Impress or debate with People instead he told him to "Preach the Word." The center of Christian preaching is Jesus Christ. According to 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the Gospel is that: Christ died for our sins. He was buried. And He rose again the third day. The Gospel is not good advice, but Good News and the it is the message of God's grace toward sinners. Additionally, we proclaim Christ, not ourselves
• The Gospel advances one conversation at a time.

3.The Method of Preaching the Gospel (4:2 The How)

• Be Prepared in season and out of season (Be instant, KJV, Be Urgent). The Greek work means to be equipped that you ready in an instant. When you have an opportunity to evangelise you are ready. Stay prepared to proclaim the message whether convenient or inconvenient ("in season and out of season").  Be Prepared "In season and out of season." The idea is: Be ready. Be available. Be equipped. Opportunities rarely come with advance notice. God may open a conversation during lunch, on an airplane, at work, beside a hospital bed, after someone experiences tragedy. Preparation includes: knowing the Gospel, praying daily, depending on the Holy Spirit, studying Scripture.
• Be Clear (Intelligent) Careful Instruction
• Our message must be understandable. The Gospel is simple enough for a child. Yet it is profound enough to transform the greatest sinner. Jesus connected truth to people's lives.
• Be Practical: Be anointed that words bring Conviction. Connect the Gospel to the needs
• God's holiness. Man's sin. Christ's sacrifice. Salvation by grace through faith.
• People also need to understand sin. Sin is not merely bad choices. It is a power that enslaves.
• Jesus alone breaks its power. He forgives. He restores. He gives hope. Never preach merely against sin. Always preach Christ who conquers sin.
• Be Patient: with Great Patience. Work with the perishing
• Evangelism requires patience. Many people hear the Gospel several times before responding.
• God works gradually. We sow. Others water. God gives the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6)
• Do not give up on people too quickly. God has not given up on them.: Faithfulness is measured by obedience, not immediate results."
• Be Balanced using a three elements: Correct wrongs (reprove), point out sin (rebuke), and encourage growth (exhort).

4.The Call Must Heed the Cultural Warning (Verses 3-4)

• This point deals with the When, the time frame of our witness. These are called the Last Days, essentially the times between the first and second coming of Christ. These are the times of great backsliding. Our times, are days when people do not endure Sound Doctrine. or sound teaching or “healthful teaching" as Revised Version puts it.
• The Times when Sound Doctrine is Rejected
• A time comes when people will not tolerate healthy, biblical teaching. Note also how he uses some terms interchangeably: Word, Sound Doctrine, and Truth. We have to know that the word Doctrine is not a bad word. It means good teaching
• The Times when the People determine what must be Preached
• Itching Ears: People seek out teachers who cater to their personal desires and passions.
• People are looking to find sensational speakers. People that don’t preach on holiness but on things that satisfy them
• Part of what the people demand is the content of preaching should be to their taste. Paul states that this is the time when people turn to Fables: Listeners reject objective truth and wander off into myths and human-made ideas. 

5. Every Believer (Preacher) Must Have Personal Resolve (Verse 5)

• This text about You the Evangelist. The stand, the character and your perception in the last days
• Stay Alert: Keep a clear, calm, and sober mind at all times.
• Endure Hardship: Accept suffering and afflictions for the sake of the gospel Remember that in these last times we will suffer but we should be good cheer.  
• Do the Evangelist’s Work: Continually share the good news with the lost.
• Fulfill the Ministry: Complete every task God has assigned. Paul has a finishing mentality to his Ministry (2 Tim. 4:6-7)
• 2Ti 4:6  For I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for me to depart is at hand. 
• 2Ti 4:7  I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

6.The Task of Preaching Attracts a Reward (4:8)

• The Reward answer the question of Why. Why do we preach the gospel?
• The Crown of Righteousness is the reward for the task of Preaching
• There is a reward for Preaching the Crucified Christ
• 2Ti 4:8  Finally the crown of righteousness is reserved for me. The Lord, the righteous Judge, will award it to me in that day – and not to me only, but also to all who have set their affection on his appearing."
• Paul had already received righteousness through faith in Christ. This crown is not salvation. It is the reward of faithful service. God delights to reward those who faithfully finish their race
• Beloved, nothing done for Christ is ever wasted. Every witness, prayer, conversation and every  act of obedience matters is noted by God himself. Be assured Faithfulness today receives reward tomorrow. the crown of righteousness means we will be complete and the Joy of the Lord shall be complete
• A Guarantee of Divine Affirmation
• Paul expected to meet" The Lord, the righteous Judge. It is him who affirms for all the work we do.  There is a longing for affirmation by every believer who works diligently for the Lord. One day he you will hear him say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21)
• Our greatest reward is Christ Himself
• Beyond the crown, every faithful believer shall meet Jesus Christ, Himself.
• Every sacrifice will be worth it when we stand before Him.

Conclusion

Believers have been solemnly charged to Preach the Gospel. Believers have been introduced to the Mandate and the Reasons they should passionately participate in executing the task.