2Timothy 4:1-5
TIMOTHY'S MINISTRY As Paul comes to the conclusion of this letter and the last instructions to us through the letter, he gives a very weighty charge to Timothy to stand by his duty in view of the dark days that are predicted. There will be opposition to godly living individuals, and there will be opposition to those assemblies of God's people who are committed to maintaining the truth of God as it has been given to us in the holy scriptures. We must remain faithful, even though many will not listen to sound doctrine. Many will inwardly know what is right, but will not obey it because it is inconvenient or interferes with the lifestyle they have chosen. The three charges Paul gave Timothy need to be acted on by believers today because of the increasing evil of the last days. "I charge thee...observe these things" [1Tim.5:21] is given as a warning for us in these last days. "I charge thee...keep this commandment" [1Tim.6:13-14], is our safeguard in these last days the same as it was to Timothy in his day. "I charge thee...preach the word" [2Tim.4:1-2], is our responsibility in these last days. The entire life of a servant, the man of God, is covered in these serious charges.
The authority and impact of the word of God on the man of God have been explained in the previous verses. Now, under the highest possible authority, he is to preach it. Before we can preach it, we must "hold" it fast [1:13]. Then we need to "rightly divide" it to make sure we understand what we are holding. That word is the guide and instructor [3:15-17] for us in every situation and brings us to maturity so we can speak for God when we "preach the word" to others. That which we pass on is so important that the charge is given in the presence of Deity to pass on the truth of Deity in the sight of Deity under the authority of Deity, who is the universal Judge of the "living and the dead." When our Lord Jesus Christ comes to establish His kingdom on earth, all of the suffering, rejection, difficulty, and opposition we have experienced will be worth it because our Lord will be seen in His glory and power.