2 Timothy 4:1-8 contains Paul’s last ministry instructions to Timothy. Paul knows that he will not survive his current imprisonment. So, he clearly and boldly charges Timothy—commands him—to hold to the faith he has seen and lived. Timothy can do this knowing that Paul has faithfully served God, expecting the heavenly rewards given to all of God’s followers. The poignant tone of this passage is made even more bittersweet by the long friendship these two men have shared.
More importantly for us today is that these divinely inspired instructions have been preserved for us as examples to follow. The first five verses are extremely applicable in today’s easily offended, overly sensitive society.
2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NIV) In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
As Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) we are to be prepared in season and out to preach the word. Not preach opinions, persona,l or political agendas but simply preach the word. The Word as divinely revealed to us in the Scriptures. We are to use the word to correct, rebuke, and encourage. We are to do this with great patience and careful instruction.
This will sometimes cause hardship but we must endure it and discharge all of our duties as a minister of truth. We must keep our head in ALL situations, meaning don’t get mad, don’t let the devil throw you off your game. Stick to the word, don’t go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). But rather follow God’s Word as revealed to us in 2 Timothy 2:14-26 (NIV):
Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.