Marks Of The Faithful Preacher, Part 1 Series

5. The Judge’s coming

Paul based his solemn charge to Timothy not only on Christ’s imminent judgment but also on His "appearing" (Gk., epiphaneia, 2 Tim. 4:1). That refers to Christ’s second coming, when "every eye will see Him" (Rev. 1:7). When that happens, the church will already have been raptured—its rewards already bestowed in the secrecy of heaven. In glorious liberation, God’s children will return to reign with Christ, and their rewards for service will be on full display before the whole world.

In ancient days the word epiphaneia was used in two special ways. One referred to an obvious intervention by some god. But more often it was used in connection with a Roman emperor, particularly when he came to visit a village or town. To prepare for the emperor’s coming, the people would sweep the streets and otherwise clean their town. They attempted to have everything in perfect order for his appearing.

It’s as if Paul were saying to Timothy, "You know what happens in a town when people are anticipating the emperor’s arrival. But you are expecting the epiphaneia of Jesus Christ! Therefore, minister in such a way that, when Christ arrives, He will be pleased with what He sees." To the peasant villager, nothing could exceed the thrill of having the emperor see and approve his or her work. Similarly, we as Christians are to look forward to Christ’s appearing and desire His divine and eternal approval.

Christ’s appearing will lead to the speedy establishment of "His kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:1). He will come as Judge and reign as King. Sinners will be judged, and believers will be rewarded. The godly will be ushered into His millennial kingdom on earth, but the ungodly will be cast into eternal punishment. Until the Lord returns or calls him home, the preacher is to be faithful. That way he’ll receive his proper reward as he shares in the glories and joys of the coming kingdom.

CONCLUSION

The preacher must realize the seriousness of his task and be consummately dedicated to it. The task is serious because it comes under the scrutiny of the Judge’s evaluation. The perfect Judge will render perfect judgment on the nature, dedication, faithfulness, and consistency of the preacher’s efforts. Then it will be seen if what he did was in fact gold, silver, and precious stones or wood, hay, and stubble. The world can push the pastor to compromise his ministry by trying to please others. But if he’s mindful of the One he answers to, it will help keep him strong.

Timothy needed to understand the seriousness of his commission because he was going to receive much pressure to compromise his ministry. But pleasing God is the right path, for in the day of His appearing, Christ will reward the faithful in a glorious way. So if you teach a biblical message, the pressure is on, but having the perspective that God is Judge will help keep you on track. The teacher must answer to the Lord, and so must all those he teaches.