As we begin the fourth and final chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we see Paul turning to a more personal charge for Timothy and his ministry. Paul senses his death is imminent, and he is ready to pass on the torch to a young man in whom he has invested much.

Look at this week’s passage, found in 2 Timothy 4:1-2:

Paul is certain that his death is at hand. And he is ready to go. However, before that can happen, he must pass on a personal charge to young Timothy. Much of that is found in this fourth chapter if 2 Timothy. And, even though it is directed towards Timothy personally, there is much that we can learn from his words.

Paul begins this chapter with a very solemn charge. His language here is very similar to his statements in 1 Timothy 5:21 and 6:13. And the idea of giving a charge such as this isn’t limited to Paul’s writings. Moses charged Israel in Deuteronomy 19:1-10, and Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:7-8. Joshua, Samuel, and Solomon gave charges to the nation of Israel, and David charged his son, Solomon. Jesus gave such a charge to the disciples in John 13:34. Each of these charges, and Paul’s charge is no different, carries with it an air of seriousness and gravity.

The charge itself has four tenets for its basis. It is made in the presence of God, of Christ Jesus, of his appearing, and of his kingdom. These four act as witnesses of the charge, but whether Paul sees them as witnessing his giving of the charge or Timothy’s receiving of it isn’t clear.

This charge is serious enough that Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, is called as one of those who witness, and will hold Timothy accountable of this charge. This adds weight to the charge as well, stressing its eternal significance to Timothy.

Paul then goes on to add several imperatives to his charge. Five are found here, and several more are peppered throughout the coming verses.

Preach the Word

Timothy has a mission. He is not to teach false doctrines like some of the people Paul has encouraged him to stand firm against in this letter. Rather, he is to peach the authoritative, eternal, life-giving gospel of God. He is to preach the Word. The idea Paul uses here is that of a herald proclaiming a powerful message.

Be prepared in season and out of season

Paul is telling Timothy to stand ready. He should be able and willing to serve, to minister, and to share the gospel message at all times. It doesn’t matter if the circumstances aren’t favorable. It doesn’t matter if the audience isn’t receptive. It doesn’t mater if Timothy is worn down or well rested. His duty is to share that message. Interestingly, Augustine viewed these two seasons as allegorical. He saw “in season” as representative of willing listeners, and “out of season” as indicative of those unwilling to listen.

Correct

This would probably be better translated as “rebuke,” as in 2 Timothy 3:16 or Titus 1:13 and 2:15. The idea here is to convict someone of their guilt.

Rebuke

If the previous word should be translated as “rebuke,” then this word is a close parallel and synonym. However, it conveys a subtle difference. It means to censure or warn. It can even mean to admonish another. Where the previous word is convictional of the wrong done, this word indicates that the offender should stop doing that which is offensive.

Encourage

This third word in the phrase means to exhort or urge someone. Paul used this idea more than once in his first letter (2:1; 5:1; and 6:2). The idea here is the other side of the coin of the first two words. Where those convicted and censured, this word implies the instruction and encouragement to grow in the right direction.

Paul knows that this may be a difficult task for Timothy, and so he adds this final phrase to the verse. Timothy is to carry out this charge with great patience and careful instruction. Whether this applies to the first imperative, to preach, or the final phrase of three, is not clear. However, the difference is slight. Either way, giving patience and careful instruction will benefit greatly as Timothy leads his congregation.

The example for our own lives is clear. Each of us know people who have not responded to God’s message. Our call is the same as Timothy’s: preach the word, be ready, and correct, rebuke, and encourage as necessary. Doing so is perhaps the greatest act of love we can express. After all, not sharing a life-saving message doesn’t make any sense, and when someone responds, it is the greatest decision that they can make.

Be ready. Know what you believe, and know why you believe it. Know the Word well enough that you can share it when you are called upon to do so. You never know what difference it might make in another’s life.

Question: Are you ready? When God places someone in your path that needs to hear his message, are you ready to share it? You can leave a comment by clicking here.