by Shane Carrington
Synopsis: As Jesus prepared Himself (both before and during His public ministry), preachers and teachers today must diligently do the same.
We live in an inconvenient time for preaching the word of God. Our culture's mantra is, "Don't preach to me!" Some say, "We need less preaching and more fireside chats." Others object, "Oh no, not another sermon! Why can't we sing more?"
Contrary to culture, Scripture resoundingly rings in our ears: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2). Obviously, there is a genuine need for readiness.
We should preach the word because we live in "the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom" (2 Tim. 4:1). The nearness of God and the coming judgment demand it. Preaching the word prepares lost souls for faithful service in the present. Ultimately, it will enable us to meet Him in peace on the last day. We honor Him and lead others to Him by preaching the word.
Further, because "the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine. . ." (2 Tim. 4:3-4). Fertile soil requires timely preparation before the season for planting is past. Good hearts, properly prepared, need the good word of God sinking deeply into them before the tempter does his work of distraction, dissimulation, and delusion. Preach the word while hearts are tender toward the truth, recognizing that such seasons can be fleeting.
For these reasons Paul urged us to readiness in preaching God's word "in season and out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2).
Most translations render the phrase exactly this way. Two different renderings are, "whether the time is favorable or unfavorable" (New Revised Standard Version) and "whether convenient or not" (Holman Christian Standard Bible). The sense of the phrase is to be ready to preach at all times, regardless of convenience, comfort, or public acceptance.
Preaching on immodesty in our culture, for example, will always run against the grain—"out of season." Even when congregations hold strongly to God's will on this subject, our culture at large does not. Be ready and preach God's truth, regardless. In our pluralistic world, preaching Jesus as the only essential Savior is also "out of season." The idea that there is only one right way is appalling to our society's senses. Be ready and preach Jesus anyway (John 14:6).
That neighbor, friend, or relative who is outside of Christ needs His soul-saving word. Prepare yourself with prayer, study, and thought. Then teach that dear soul the gospel whether "in season or out." Preachers mounting pulpits also need to prepare themselves for this kind of personal work. They should help equip their fellow disciples with tools to take that word to others as well. Did Jesus and Paul only "preach the word" in public forums? Neither should we. Imitate Paul, who said, "I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was beneficial. . . teaching you publicly and from house to house" (Acts 20:20). Always be ready to preach Christ from a faithful heart of love, urging and equipping fellow believers. As Marshall Patton wrote, "The responsibility of the charge is too serious, time is too precious for apathy in any measure, souls are at stake, and their eternal destiny depends on it. . ." So, "Preach the word!"
Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus richly equip us to work in God's vineyard. Readiness to "preach the word in season and out of season" requires several things. We need:
We need constant awareness of God's presence (2 Tim. 4:1). This is both a comfort and a challenge. What a comfort to know He is with us as we do His will! What a challenge to know His daily expectations! He is ever near, so be prepared—and preach.
Preparedness for the coming day of judgment is also essential (2 Tim. 4:1). All will stand before God and give an account of their time here on earth. Lost souls need the gospel before it is too late. The weak need strength, the strong need continued growth, all need comfort in a broken, uncertain world. Be prepared and preach because both we and our hearers will face the judgment one day.
Our fellow disciples need to grow in knowledge (2 Tim. 2:14). This is achieved, not only by topical lessons, but through broad-based, contextual mining of God's word. Preachers also need an understanding of the spiritual dangers of life and the deficiencies with which disciples struggle. Preach the word concerning these areas, not just showing them what is wrong, but equipping disciples with tools to overcome. A balanced approach fosters spiritual health (2 Tim. 2:22-26). May deep thankfulness for God's grace and truth move us to readiness and action. So, "Preach the word!"
We must be dedicated workers. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed. . ." (2 Tim. 2:15). Some tease preachers, saying, "You only work two days a week" or "All you have to do is go on the internet to find an outline to preach." Do such statements suggest that preachers don't have real jobs? While it may be true that some men who are supported to preach don't take their work seriously, nevertheless Paul commands:
Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you (1 Tim. 4:15-16).
Take time each week—and use your vacation time—to relax and recharge. Spend time with your family. Yet, you must also be active and organized. Prepare your mind and heart. Work hard in preaching and teaching both publicly and privately. Preparation to preach requires diligence in study, thought, and effort. Do the work of preparation, then "preach the word."
Timothy must also become skilled at "accurately handling the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). This requires diligent, fervent, open-minded, God-centered study of Scripture. Spend more time with the word than with books written about the word. When you read other books, read with discernment; no mere human author gets everything right. Closely consider the context. Learn what it meant "then and there" (i.e., when originally written). Then turn attention to proper application for "here and now." Finally, handle the word accurately in presentation: "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15), coupling faithful proclamation with "great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2). "Preach the word!"
We live in an inconvenient time for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Immorality and acceptance of sin characterize our culture. Rejection of the Bible, the church, and the Christ is rampant in our society. Preaching the word is "out of season." Preach it anyway!
What our culture often vocally opposes is exactly what they desperately and unwittingly need. So, "Preach the word!" We need faith, love, and courage. Believe God's word. Love it. Faithfully practice it. Patiently proclaim it. May we equip ourselves in Him to "be ready in season and out of season" and "preach the word!"
