PREACH THE WORD. 2ND Timothy 4:2 Because of this coming kingdom, we have been given the authority as official representatives of the Highest Power to publicly proclaim, as heralds, the message our Lord has given us and wants delivered. When authority has been granted to us to speak in His name, we can speak with authority when we "preach the word." When the Gospel is preached and people are saved, we still need to proclaim the "word of faith" to those who have received the message of salvation and are meant to grow in grace and faith.
Timothy had to preach the Gospel then, and it has been preached ever since so people can hear it and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved from hell, the power of sin, and soon from the presence of sin. It is vital that we preach the Gospel. It may be inconvenient for us to stand up alone and tell others about God's love, grace, and mercy, but it is essential for their eternal salvation. Preaching the word of God is the most important responsibility the body of Christ has today. Yet many have watered down its message to make it "seeker friendly," and others never preach it at all.
We must be prepared for every opportunity to preach the Gospel, whether publicly or privately. We need to be brave in our efforts, not allowing our own fear or intimidation from others to silence us. We should be attentive to any chance God provides to share the Gospel in a way that best fits the situation, the people, and the lives of those we encounter. We must take every opportunity to share God's truth in a Christ-like manner. Sometimes, it is convenient to do this because arrangements are made in advance for a place to preach and for people to gather. Other times, "out of season," are those teaching moments that come unexpectedly and are open to bringing conviction of sin to those who have been awakened in some way. There will be times when we must make corrections that will awaken people to their guilt of sin. That "rebuke" needs to be clearly explained so that a person understands the problem and what is wrong with his or her attitudes and actions. We must tell the truth about sin even if it hurts. If we need to exhort, we must explain the truth clearly and in an easily understood way. God gives opportunities to those willing to deliver a message from Him to a saint or sinner. When we notice a situation that appears normal to an unsuspecting person, we must share the truth with the one in error and rebuke falsehood. Offering encouragement to those slow to respond to God's commands is often the best way to motivate them to change their attitude and actions. Likely Timothy read through eyes perhaps dimmed by flowing tears, the last words from someone who knows the final chapter of his life is here. It is nearing its end, and all he has said and done is recorded in heaven. The reader of this letter is challenged, charged, and commanded by this person who cares for him deeply, to preach the Word. Preach it clearly and plainly in public, in private, and at every opportunity. Cover all the basics and all the bases – let others hear.
Meet the needs of others with unwavering commitment. Make the truth known to those who must hear and believe, and challenge them to be bold, uphold the truth, and persevere despite obstacles and opposition. Stand by your duty; never quit, never hesitate. Rise to the challenge of your times – these are the last days.
Sensitivity to people and opportunities is essential for those who teach the truth. The way to present truth is with patience, not impatience or anger toward a person. An appeal to a conscience that has been awakened can hopefully open their mind to reason. Reason and common sense will encourage people to honestly face themselves, admit their guilt before God in repentance, and submit their will to God's will, "who will have all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
In fulfilling one's duty in preaching, we must preach biblically. Teaching doctrine shows that the truth should be communicated to the hearers in a way they understand and that meets their needs. Sometimes, this will happen in a public setting, and other times, it will occur through private conversation. There are moments when this can be done, and times when it cannot be preached.
When we receive true words of correction, we need to accept them with humility and gratitude and take steps to do what is right, even if the truth hurts. Acting on correction means being willing to listen and do what is right. Then, we can be willing and able to obey God fully.