Ordination Charge

We would do well to apply the words of Martin Luther: “I preach as though Christ was crucified yesterday, rose from the dead today, and is coming back tomorrow.”

In light of eternity, always preach the weightiness of God’s Word to everyone.

First, remember who.

Second, remember what.

2. Remember what. According to verse 2 a minister is to “preach the Word.” A.T. Robertson once said, “One of the best proofs of the inspiration of the Bible is that it has withstood so much preaching!”

Paul is putting Timothy under oath to preach the word. The word “preach” means to “announce, proclaim, publish abroad loudly, to set forth and make known.” To “preach” referred to what a herald did with a message from a king to his people. He was to declare the message with authority, making it loud and clear so it could be heard and heeded. The messenger was not at liberty to change the message; likewise, the preacher must preach only what is in God’s Word. Interestingly, there are over 36 references to God’s Word in the book of 2 Timothy alone!

Preachers have a big job to do. According to Acts 20:27, the Apostle Paul said: “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” 1 Peter 4:11 says we should have a sense of awe when announcing God’s Word: “Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God.” Colossians 1:28 calls us to “preach Christ crucified” and Colossians 1:28 says we proclaim Christ in order to “present everyone mature in Christ.”

To “preach the Word” is not a suggestion; it’s an active imperative. Don’t ever turn away from teaching truth from the text, don’t water down the Word, and don’t be embarrassed by Scripture. Preach and teach as if a person’s eternal destiny hangs on your words…because it does.

Richard Baxter captured it well: “I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.”

First, remember who.

Second, remember what.

Third, remember where.

3. Remember where. The next charge is to “be ready.” This has the idea of standing near so you can “be instant” or “always on” with a sense of readiness and urgency. Be ready to proclaim God’s Word wherever you are.

In light of eternity, always preach the weightiness of God’s Word to everyone.

4. Remember when. Closely related to this thought is the fourth charge: “in season and out of season.” Preach God’s Word when it’s convenient and when it’s not, whether you feel like it or not. Preach the Scriptures even when society pushes back, and you get labeled as someone who is narrow-minded and old-fashioned.

Be ready when you’re scheduled to preach or teach and when you’re not. Look for ways to preach God’s Word in formal settings and proclaim it intentionally in casual conversation. Communicate doctrine in large groups and disciple new believers one-on-one. Preach when people listen and especially when they don’t.

Remember who – our Triune God.

Remember what – preach the Word.

Remember where – be ready.

Remember when – always.

5. Remember how. This passage lists seven ways God has made His Word to work: