THE CHARGE. 2nd Timothy 4:1 Paul gave Timothy a final charge to fulfill his ministry as he was completing his own testimony of faithfulness in anticipation of his coming martyrdom. The significance and solemnity of this lie in being obedient to the Lord and fulfilling the responsibilities and expectations associated with the role entrusted to him.
He who rules in earth and heaven knows that the needs of men and women are best met by those who have proven they can be trusted. Duty’s tasks are rightly given as a charge from one who is not ignored by the saints who love their Lord. They are committed to daily, faithful preaching of the Word. In response to their Lord’s call, they go quickly around the world to make Christ known to those lost in their sins.
Our God hears the same charge that mature believers who speak for Him have given us. The challenge is clear: We must proclaim the saving power and glorious fame of life and light through His great name, the Lord! He is the judge of the living and the dead; it is only right that what He has said be preached—that the Living Savior will see that all those for whom He bled have a chance to hear the word of the Gospel and be saved.
The charge to carry out this vital work is given to those who will not shirk their responsibility, fail to speak, or overlook opportunities to testify of God’s saving grace. He intends for us to follow Him, who exemplified a godly testimony here on earth.
The time is approaching and almost here; when those near and far will not listen to those proclaiming the Gospel. They will walk away and close their ears to God’s good news. The moment to speak is now; the place is where some women and men will hear the word of God, and the “what” is the message clear and simple. The “how” is that the messenger's heart, love, and conviction are visible. People listening to the Gospel need to know the one delivering the message truly cares about the eternal well-being of those who hear.
Reproving isn’t done very often, even though everyone needs correction at some point in their lives. You can be sure some people will always think you’re meddling when you come to tell the truth. Rebuke is difficult because you must tell the truth. You’ll likely lose a friendly smile when warnings and corrections are given. People prefer that the words you choose be smooth and comforting to their feelings. But you must stay true to them and the word of God, even if your words hurt their feelings and consciences.
Exhort them earnestly so that they may be saved and secure for eternity. When they see and realize that Christ frees them, eternal life and the light of God’s salvation will encourage them to live for Him. God gave the charge through the apostle Paul, not just to Timothy but to all of us, that saints will not fall or fail and that sinners can be saved from the coming wrath. Each person must respond to God’s clear call to follow Christ.
The judgment of the “living and dead” will be based on (“according to”) the plans of God. Believers will be rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ, and the rewards given there will relate to what the living (those in Christ) will be entrusted with during the Millennium. The dead will be judged at the great white throne after one thousand years of Christ's millennial reign as the King of kings and Lord of lords.