2 Timothy Chapter 4

In this final chapter, Paul commands Timothy once again to preach the Word and fulfil his ministry as Paul himself has faithfully done. It is important for Timothy to preach the Word so that the true Christian faith could spread throughout the world.

We believe in Christ today because people like Timothy were faithful to their mission. Therefore, it is important for every believers to spread the Word faithfully.

When is a good time to preach the Word?

Preaching includes both evangelizing to unbelievers as well as teaching believers. There are over 7 billion people in the world today and most of them do not know Christ and the Truth.

There are many people around us that we need to preach the word to, including our family, friends, relatives, classmates and colleagues. A preacher of God’s Word needs to have a sense of urgency and should be ready at all times “in season and out of season”, even when the condition does not seem favourable (2 Timothy 4:2). 

Many people will not endure sound doctrine and they will turn their ears away from the Truth (2 Tim 4:3-4). Therefore, the work of preaching can be very difficult and even sometimes discouraging.

However, as children of God we ought to preach the Word of God constantly without worrying about outcome of our preaching. Our duty simply to plant and water and we can leave the rest to God because it is He who gives the increase (1 Cor 3:6-7).

As Paul neared the end of his life, he could confidently say that he had been faithful to his call. Thus, he faced death calmly, knowing that he would receive his heavenly reward from Christ. Death becomes the final moment of victory rather than something to be fearful.

Paul gave these words to encourage Timothy and us, so that no matter how difficult the fight seems, we can keep fighting. And one day when we are with Jesus Christ, we will discover that it was all worth it.

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