9. KEEP PREACHING GOD'S WORD

2 Timothy 4:1-2 "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: ² Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching."

Face up to the awesome reality that it is a charge made in the presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. You are to fulfill all your ministry, spurred on by the knowledge that the Lord is watchful over your obedience.

Go as God's herald to deliver God's message to the people - let yours be beautiful feet running to bring the glorious message of victorious deliverance (Isaiah 52:7).

Remember that you are accountable to the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge "the living and the dead". You will have to stand before His judgment seat.

2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

This truth should dramatically affect all your life and service.

"His appearing" should clearly be a part of the message you proclaim. It will motivate you to accurately deliver the message, and to keep yourself pure.

His eternal "kingdom" reminds you of the permanency of your service. As a faithful servant you will continue to serve Him for all eternity. Be governed in your thinking with eternal realities, not with trivial, temporary things.

As the Lord's herald be ready to seize every opportunity: "in season" (2 Timothy 4:2) be diligent in favourable times when there is special working of the Holy Spirit in the community - roll up your sleeves - don't miss out. "Out of season" - you cannot quit because it is a difficult time, work in faith. Even in hard times believe the Holy Spirit can even cause stony ground to yield abundantly. In times of hindrance when it looks as if the enemy is coming as a flood, the Holy Spirit will lift up a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19), frustrating the enemy's designs and putting him to flight.

It is imperative that you "convince". You are to prove or refute by delivering the true message committed to you.

Part of your responsibility is to "rebuke" wrong theories and conduct, but it is essential that you encourage those who are living right and doing well.

To achieve the Lord's intentions you must serve with enduring patience, and painstaking instruction in sound doctrine.

In these days when diligent teaching is resisted, and among some not tolerated (Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4), you are responsible before the Lord to give "sound" (healthgiving) teaching "till He comes".

	Do you take seriously and personally the charge of 2 Timothy 4:1-2?
	Do you live your life, and conduct your ministry knowing you are in the full gaze and knowledge of God?
	Does the knowledge that you will give an account of your ministry to Christ, encourage or disconcert you?
	Do you live in anticipation of the Lord's return?
	Does the truth of the Lord's return impact your service with urgency and diligence?
	Do you believe that to be the Lord's herald is both an awesome responsibility and an incomparable privilege?
	Do you make sure that what you proclaim is consistent with the Scriptures?
	What governs your thinking, things temporal or things eternal?
	Are you a faithful worker in every kind of season?
	Do you believe that by proclaiming the Word of truth people become convinced?
	When do you think it is your responsibility to rebuke someone?
	How important do you believe it is to encourage those diligent in godliness and service?
	Do you exercise great patience and give careful instruction?
	What essentials would you need to include to give health giving teaching?