2 Timothy 4:1-8 – The Gospel must be preached

For some 30 years, Paul had labored as an evangelist or a pastor without taking a break. At this point, he was very close to being martyred. What he wrote here consists of some of the most stirring calls to faithful service to the Lord’s Gospel. One cannot read them without being challenged to a life of diligent service.

In the first five verses, Paul, like a commander in the Lord, was giving Timothy the order to preach the Word. By extension, this order is also made to us. By the Word, Paul was referring to the Gospel. Verse 2 outlines the call and it is a serious call to preach the Word. In what manner should Timothy go about preaching? Firstly, he was to preach the Word with urgency. It must be preached in and out of season, meaning at all times. Secondly, he was to preach it relevantly. To be relevant, he would need to reprove and rebuke at times but he must exhort too. Not only must the preaching be urgent and relevant, it must also, thirdly, be delivered patiently. Finally, it must be preached instructively.

In verse 1 and verses 3-8, we see the basis for the call to preach the Word. Knowing the timid and diffident Timothy, Paul now adds to his command the incentive why he should boldly preach the Word. Firstly, he told him to do it because of Christ’s soon coming. This charge he made was not from Paul himself, but in the presence of God and Jesus Christ. The emphasis of this first verse is on the soon coming of Jesus Christ. He will be appearing not just personally but also visibly. And when He appears, He will be judging the living and the dead, and then the Kingdom reign will be consummated. In the light of His soon appearing, Timothy must preach the Word urgently.

Secondly, in verses 3-5, he told him to do it because of the current state of affairs in men and their surroundings. Paul anticipated a time when the situation would deteriorate. Men would have no desire for sound doctrines. They would crave for things that are amusing and pleasant to hear. They would only go after teachers that would cater and pander to their desires.  Men would wander from the truth and go for misleading myths. Seen in the context of people with such wandering tendencies, the different stances in preaching, described in verse 2, become necessary components of preaching. In preaching, Timothy must reprove, rebuke and exhort with patience to instruct.

Thirdly, in verses 6-8, he told him to do it because of the apostle’s impending martyrdom. Here he used two illustrations to describe his impending death. He saw his life first as a drink offering about to be poured onto the altar. Secondly, he saw his death as a departure, like a ship ready to set sail for another shore. So in three expressions, he talked about his ministry for the past 30 years: I have fought the good fight; I have finished the course and I have kept the faith. In all the three pursuits, Paul was faithful to the very end. All he was looking forward to was the prize, the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to him at the judgment day. This crown will also be given to all who love His appearing. The Righteous Judge is referring to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The call to share the Gospel is not just given to Timothy but to everyone, to all of us who have chosen to call Jesus our Lord. The Great Commission is an imperative, it is a command. It is not a request. It says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”