What should a preacher preach, topics, stories, human traditions, philosophy, reasons for people to doubt, or the word of God? Will people tolerate sound teaching? Will some complain they want smooth preaching? Will we stay faithful regardless? Let’s look in 2 Timothy 4.
Did Paul encourage Timothy to preach philosophy, fluffy stories, the traditions of men, or the word of God?
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. (2 Timothy 4:1-2 NLT)
Will people not want to put up with sound teaching? Does that sound familiar?
There will come a time when people will not tolerate sound teaching. They will collect teachers who say what they want to hear because they are self-centered. (2 Timothy 4:3 CEB)
Is this similar to a situation described in the Old Testament?
They say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy the truth to us. Tell us flattering things. Prophesy illusions. (Isaiah 30:10 HCSB)
What happens under such circumstances? Will they turn from the truth?
They will turn from the truth and eagerly listen to senseless stories. (2 Timothy 4:4 CEV)
Should we also follow Paul's encouragement to Timothy? Should we fulfill our ministry?
As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5 ESV)
What was Paul’s attitude? Was he ready to depart this present world?
I am already being poured out as an offering, and the time for my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The victor’s crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ISV)
Despite some abandoning him, did Paul still have faithful supporters? Do people sometimes leave our churches because they love this present world?
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:9-13 KJV)
Do some not just leave quietly but also cause harm? Are faithful ministers sometimes totally abandoned by all? Must ministers learn to be forgiving of their people?
Alexander the coppersmith showed me much harm; the Lord will award him according to his deeds. Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our words. At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the preaching might be fulfilled, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will save me unto His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:14-18 LSB)
Did some of Paul’s friends remain? Do they for us?
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus. Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, also Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. (2 Timothy 4:19-21 NASB)
Experts say that the oldest manuscripts make this plural, “your spirit” (you plural) and “you all” (you plural). What then is Paul’s farewell blessing?
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all. (2 Timothy 4:22 NIV)
What should a preacher preach, topics, stories, human traditions, philosophy, reasons for people to doubt, or the word of God? Will people tolerate sound teaching? Will some complain they want smooth preaching? Will we stay faithful regardless? You decide!
Conclusion to Timothy
What have we learned in the letters to Timothy? Are doctrines not taught by Jesus or the apostles questionable? Is love the most important doctrine? Is the law a focus of many false teachers? Did Jesus die just for an elect few, or everyone? Are gender roles oppressive or a blessing? Should wealthy Christians set their hopes on God?
Has God saved us by undeserved grace? Will we guard through the Holy Spirit that good thing which was committed to us? Should we meditate on Jesus? Do we endure all things? Are we faithful? Will difficult times come in these last days? Is all scripture God-breathed? Will some complain that they want smooth preaching? Will we stay faithful, preaching the Word of God regardless? You decide!
