Written by Abby Caymol | Aug 13, 2023

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: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 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. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:1‭-‬5 NIV

Verse 1 and 2: 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: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

As God’s salt and light, it is never easy to be used by God as a carrier of His message—many situations we must endure. We need to let go of our comfort zones. We have to live what we preach. The good news is that He will be with us when we deliver His message. When we feel the desire of our hearts to share the gospel, we ask the Holy Spirit to encourage us so we can act to it. God will put in your heart the message He wants you to meditate. Sometimes, He will use situations so you can fully understand His word. The Spirit will give us the confidence to speak as we seek Him. It is an honor to be given a chance to preach the word of God because not all people are called to do this. Paul is giving us the instructions and things to expect and equipping us to be a fisherman of many. Our hearts need to be steadfast in all circumstances, Holy Spirit driven by our actions and words.

Verse 3 and 4: 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. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

The enemy will lure many people away from the truth in the last few days. What is righteous will be twisted, and people will follow the enemy’s deception. Their ears will itch from truthfulness because they only want to listen to what they want to hear. People will be lovers not only for money but worldly principles. Children will disrespect their parents to follow the world’s trends. Same way with the parents, they will go after their children’s wants.

Parents’ voices and open rebukes will no longer matter to their kids. It is the sad truth. But Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

The armor of God is the Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, Belt of Truth, Sword of the Spirit, Shield of Faith, and Feet of Peace. As a parent, we will direct our children to the godly path. It is never easy, but God will direct our steps and decision-making to make this possible. We will endure a lot of patience and self-control. A lot of gentleness in times of confrontation. To speak life when we are angry. We must do these things so our children won’t lead away from the truth. God’s word may itch their ears, but we must try our best to train them how they should go so they won’t depart from it ( Proverbs 22:6). As they say, “Children are the hope of the future.” More incredible things are ahead of them if we, as parents, will be role models for them and if we will direct them to Jesus. Though these days, their heart’s desires are not for the Lord, or they may be worldly, it will help a lot if they remember our godly advice for them.

Verse 5: But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

To be honest, discipleship is not easy but rewarding in the end. If we sum up the three conditions for discipleship, we will learn how God can turn hardship into a victorious life. Personal, we need to know a lot of acceptance in letting go; we must practice the fruit of the Spirit and endure trials; we must deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. In Biblical, we will learn to give up worldly things and be encouraged to share the gospel and follow God’s teachings. When we finally surpass all of these with God’s help, we are fulfilled and triumphant because we can resist worldly desires and deliver the gospel to everyone with the help of the Holy Spirit.

To preach the word of God doesn’t require us to pass with flying colors but to simply know who Jesus is, why He came here in the world, and to know His purpose. Once we know Jesus, we will build a relationship with Him, accept Him as our God and personal savior, then preach the word of God with confidence and boldness will come next. It might not be easy for some people because every person is unique. But the Spirit of God will make it possible for us in every area of ministry. Some will be assigned for evangelism, preachers, pastors, missionaries, worship singers, deacons, and much more God has in store for us. All of these have only one purpose, and it is discipleship. Next time, when your heart feels it wants to share the gospel with your family, friends, or simply someone you met in the airport, don’t fear. The Holy Spirit will give you the right encouragement to disciple someone.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.