Daily Devotional for Saturday, May 13

Paul’s Final Charge

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine,” 2 Timothy 4:2.

As Paul’s time grew short, he gave his son in the faith, Timothy, one last charge. As any last will and testament, Paul’s words, particularly this passage, have been held dear. They have rallied hundreds of thousands of believers and preachers for almost two thousand years.
Paul’s charge consisted of five commands. First and foremost, he commanded Timothy to preach the word. His preaching was his top task. Paul reiterated his charge from his first letter, “Give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all” (1 Timothy 4:13, 15). All preachers should be ready and available to step in with a timely word. Whether it is favorable or convenient or not, preachers need to be ready to share God’s Word when opportunities present themselves.
Good preaching, according to Paul, should convict and bring people to an awareness of their sin, call out that sin so repentance can take place, and encourage believers with patience and sound doctrine. Paul used the word “doctrine” twelve times in his two letters to Timothy. It is the only foundation for godly preaching. Influence, reputation, kindness, or virtue gains nothing in preaching if the doctrine is not sound. Timothy’s congregation was surrounded by heresy, much like we are, so sound doctrine is imperative.
Paul gave four other commands to young Timothy. He was to watch himself and be self-controlled in all situations. Timothy must endure hardships and suffer evil patiently. Persecution and trying times were coming. Paul commanded him to evangelize. Announce the good news. He was not to just shepherd a flock of saved believers but reach out to the lost as well. Finally, Timothy was to make full proof of or carry out his ministry fully. He must bring his ministry to completion.

THOUGHT: Paul said, “I have fought a good fight” (2 Timothy 4:7). To all who come after me, fight well.

Kelli Reynolds