Endure Hardship: The Call to Preach the Word
Summary
### Summary
As we conclude our sermon series on the pastoral epistles—1 Timothy, Titus, and 2 Timothy—we reflect on the Apostle Paul's final letter, written shortly before his death. Paul, a realist about the hardships of life and ministry, sought to equip and empower young pastors like Timothy and Titus to lead healthy churches that glorify God and advance His mission. The series, titled "Endure Hardship," underscores the inevitability of opposition when living a godly life and proclaiming the gospel.
Today's focus is on 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5, emphasizing the importance of preaching the Word. Paul repeatedly stresses the need for healthy, biblical teaching and doctrine. Scripture, being God-breathed, is the ultimate source of truth, profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. It equips believers for every good work, making them complete.
Paul's charge to Timothy is serious and weighty, given in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead. This charge underscores the accountability and authority that come with preaching the Word. Timothy is urged to preach in season and out of season, to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete patience and teaching. The time will come when people will not endure sound teaching but will seek teachers to suit their own passions, turning away from the truth.
As Christians, we are all called to be people of the Word, witnesses who faithfully communicate God's truth. This commitment to Scripture is foundational for a healthy church. We must immerse ourselves in the Bible, allowing it to correct, train, and equip us. The Word of God reveals who God is, His will, and our purpose. It prepares us for Christ's return, urging us to live in a way that honors Him.
Paul's exhortation to Timothy to do the work of an evangelist is a call for all believers. We are to share the good news, proclaiming Christ's victory over sin and death. This task requires readiness, patience, and a commitment to truth, even when it's inconvenient or unpopular. By keeping the return of Christ in view, we are motivated to be faithful witnesses, sharing the gospel with urgency and love.
### Key Takeaways
1. Scripture as the Ultimate Source of Truth: The Bible, being God-breathed, is authoritative and inerrant. It equips believers for every good work, making them complete. Immersing ourselves in Scripture helps us understand who God is, His will, and our purpose. This commitment to the Word is foundational for a healthy church and individual spiritual growth. [06:48]
2. The Seriousness of Preaching the Word: Paul's charge to Timothy underscores the weightiness and accountability of preaching. Given in the presence of God and Christ, who will judge the living and the dead, this charge highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to faithfully proclaim God's Word. This seriousness should motivate all believers to handle Scripture with reverence and diligence. [12:51]
3. Enduring Hardship in Ministry: Living a godly life and proclaiming the gospel inevitably brings opposition. Paul’s life exemplifies enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel. As believers, we are called to be sober-minded, endure suffering, and fulfill our ministry with the strength and grace that God provides. This endurance is crucial for advancing God's mission. [39:44]
4. The Role of Reproof, Rebuke, and Exhortation: Preaching and teaching involve not just encouragement but also correction and rebuke. Addressing sin and error is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. This balanced approach ensures that believers are not just comforted but also challenged to live righteously, aligning their lives with God's truth. [33:10]
5. The Urgency of Evangelism: Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to do the work of an evangelist is a call for all Christians. Sharing the gospel is not just for pastors but for every believer. We must seize opportunities to share the good news, motivated by the reality of Christ's return and the eternal destiny of souls. This urgency should drive us to be faithful witnesses in all circumstances. [42:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Introduction to Pastoral Epistles
[02:53] - Prayer for Understanding
[04:34] - The Importance of Scripture
[06:48] - Scripture as the Source of Truth
[08:15] - Revelation Through the Word
[09:33] - Commitment to Biblical Teaching
[10:38] - Equipping for Good Works
[12:51] - The Seriousness of Preaching
[14:09] - Accountability in Ministry
[15:17] - Preparing for Christ's Return
[17:38] - Living in Expectation
[19:29] - The Role of Preaching
[22:10] - Preaching and Teaching Together
[23:25] - The Transformative Power of the Word
[25:09] - Christ-Centered Exposition
[27:19] - A Healthy Spiritual Diet
[29:49] - Declaring the Whole Counsel of God
[30:46] - Being Ready in Season and Out
[33:10] - Reproof, Rebuke, and Exhortation
[36:10] - The Danger of Itching Ears
[38:15] - Being Sober-Minded
[39:44] - Enduring Hardship
[42:35] - Doing the Work of an Evangelist
[44:04] - Sharing the Good News
[51:48] - Application and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Timothy 3:16-4:5
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says that "all Scripture is breathed out by God"? How does he describe its usefulness? ([02:53])
2. According to Paul, what are the responsibilities of Timothy as a pastor in relation to preaching the Word? ([04:34])
3. What does Paul warn will happen when people no longer endure sound teaching? ([04:34])
4. How does Paul describe the seriousness and weightiness of the charge to preach the Word? ([12:51])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to immerse themselves in Scripture according to the sermon? How does this commitment contribute to a healthy church? ([06:48])
2. How does Paul’s charge to Timothy to preach the Word "in season and out of season" apply to modern-day Christians? ([30:18])
3. What does it mean to "do the work of an evangelist," and why is this significant for all believers, not just pastors? ([42:35])
4. How can the concept of enduring hardship in ministry be applied to the challenges faced by Christians today? ([39:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own engagement with Scripture. How can you increase your commitment to immersing yourself in the Bible daily? ([06:48])
2. Think about a time when you felt the weight of responsibility in sharing God's Word. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from Paul's charge to Timothy? ([12:51])
3. Have you ever encountered opposition when sharing the gospel or living a godly life? How did you respond, and what can you do to better endure such hardships in the future? ([39:44])
4. In what ways can you incorporate reproof, rebuke, and exhortation into your interactions with fellow believers while maintaining patience and love? ([33:10])
5. Identify a specific person or group with whom you can share the gospel this week. What steps will you take to do the work of an evangelist in your daily life? ([42:35])
6. How can you prepare yourself and your community for Christ's return, as Paul urges Timothy to do? What practical steps can you take to live in expectation of His coming? ([17:38])
7. Consider the areas in your life where you might be tempted to seek teachings that suit your own passions. How can you stay grounded in sound doctrine and avoid spiritual "junk food"? ([36:10])
Devotional
Day 1: The Authority of Scripture
Description: The Bible, being God-breathed, stands as the ultimate source of truth and authority for believers. It is not merely a collection of historical documents or moral teachings but the very Word of God, profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Immersing ourselves in Scripture equips us for every good work, making us complete and thoroughly prepared to live out our faith. This commitment to the Word is foundational for both individual spiritual growth and the health of the church. By understanding who God is, His will, and our purpose through the Bible, we align our lives with His truth and are prepared for every challenge and opportunity that comes our way. [06:48]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: How can you make daily Bible reading a non-negotiable part of your routine, allowing it to shape your thoughts, actions, and decisions?
Day 2: The Weight of Preaching
Description: Preaching the Word carries a significant weight and responsibility, as highlighted by Paul's charge to Timothy. This charge, given in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, underscores the accountability and authority that come with proclaiming God's Word. Spiritual leaders are called to handle Scripture with reverence and diligence, understanding the serious nature of their task. This seriousness should motivate all believers to approach the Bible with a deep sense of respect and commitment, recognizing the eternal impact of faithfully communicating God's truth. [12:51]
2 Timothy 4:1-2 (ESV): "I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Reflection: In what ways can you support and pray for those who preach and teach in your church, recognizing the weight of their responsibility?
Day 3: Enduring Hardship for the Gospel
Description: Living a godly life and proclaiming the gospel inevitably brings opposition and hardship. Paul’s life exemplifies enduring suffering for the sake of the gospel, demonstrating that such endurance is crucial for advancing God's mission. As believers, we are called to be sober-minded, endure suffering, and fulfill our ministry with the strength and grace that God provides. This endurance is not just about surviving difficulties but thriving in them, knowing that our perseverance contributes to the spread of the gospel and the glory of God. [39:44]
2 Timothy 2:3-4 (ESV): "Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him."
Reflection: What specific hardships are you currently facing, and how can you rely on God's strength and grace to endure them for the sake of the gospel?
Day 4: The Necessity of Reproof and Rebuke
Description: Preaching and teaching involve not just encouragement but also correction and rebuke. Addressing sin and error is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. This balanced approach ensures that believers are not just comforted but also challenged to live righteously, aligning their lives with God's truth. Reproof and rebuke, when done with love and patience, help believers stay on the right path and grow in their faith, leading to a deeper and more authentic relationship with God. [33:10]
Titus 1:13-14 (ESV): "This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth."
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you need to receive correction or rebuke? How can you open your heart to God's discipline and grow from it?
Day 5: The Urgency of Evangelism
Description: Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to do the work of an evangelist is a call for all Christians. Sharing the gospel is not just for pastors but for every believer. We must seize opportunities to share the good news, motivated by the reality of Christ's return and the eternal destiny of souls. This urgency should drive us to be faithful witnesses in all circumstances, proclaiming Christ's victory over sin and death with readiness, patience, and a commitment to truth, even when it's inconvenient or unpopular. [42:35]
2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV): "As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the gospel? How can you intentionally create an opportunity to share the good news with them this week?
Quotes
1. "One of the things that I've said in this series is that as we are active living on mission for the sake of the gospel and as we're sharing the good news and we're taking a stand for righteousness living a godly life we're going to encounter opposition it's inevitable and that's a part of the following Jesus that's a part of following the way of Jesus Christ our crucified savior." [01:29] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We're all called to be people of the word as followers of Jesus. We're all called to be witnesses, to know, to know what God's word says and to faithfully communicate it to others, whether you're behind a pulpit or not, whether you're preaching openly out in the streets or not, or whether it's just in a conversation, we're all called to this." [06:48] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And through this word, we understand the world better. We understand who God is. We understand his good plan, his rescue story for all of creation and our part that we play in it. We understand through this word. What sin is. It reveals what sin is. It revealed this word reveals to us what the will of God is, what God wants for our life. We understand what our purpose is through this word." [08:15] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "First and foremost, this is a book that reveals God, who God is. First and foremost, it's about God. It's about Christ. It points to the son. And so we have revelation of who God is. And then knowing who God is. We're able to discover. And what he's done, we're able to discover who we are and what he wants for our lives. And when we're off, we get correction from the word of God. We get training in how to live a righteous life." [09:33] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the scripture is the source of truth for preaching and teaching for reproof for correction for training and righteousness. And we are committed to drawing our truth from God's truth from from scripture." [11:54] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "He is setting this up with a seriousness and a weightiness of the task that is to be priority for any pastor for Pastor Timothy and for any pastor. Preach the word. But if I preach it, preach the word in light of the gaze of God and light of that. That as a spiritual. Leader in the church, you're going to be held accountable to God for your actions and for your teaching." [14:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And so we should be people who are about God and his glory and his kingdom. Seek first seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness. Amen. God's word is powerful and sharper than any two edged sword. The book of Hebrews tells us. And so we are to prepare the way for Christ's return. We are to prepare the way for Christ's return." [16:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Here at City Church we are committed to doing this very thing. To preaching God's word over man's opinion. Over entertainment and telling funny jokes. I'm not opposed to jokes and humor. And I think that humor should be an overflow of joy in a Christian's life. Right? I think it's a good thing. A merry heart does good like medicine. But as a pastor that's not my job to come up here to have a joke every week for you to make you laugh. I want to be able to give you the opportunity to laugh. But I don't want to distract from the truth. The truth of God's word." [20:24] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And the word of God should do that as we hear it. We believe it. We obey it. We should have our minds renewed. And we should be transformed by the renewing of our mind. But if we're just hearing the word of God. We're listening to it. We're hearing it. And maybe we're enjoying what it says. But we're not taking action upon it. And we know we're not. James says we're deceiving ourselves. We're deceiving ourselves. And it's not going to be profitable for us. It's not going to do what it's designed to do. To change us. To equip us. To mature us. To conform us into Christ likeness." [23:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And so let me close in just a couple points of application here. Keep the return of Christ in view. To motivate you to be a faithful witness. This motivates me. This motivates me. Not just in preaching. And being a faithful pastor. But being evangelistic. And sharing the gospel with people on the streets. I know that people are going to die. And spend eternity apart from Jesus. In a place called hell. And I don't want that for anybody." [52:19] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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