"PREACH THE WORD!"
It was his last letter. It was the last section of his last letter.
It was his closing comments to a young man he dearly loved.
What would he say?
What should we say to young men who we want to influence?
Listen to his last thoughts.
PREACH THE WORD. kēryssō. The Holy Spirit employs Sixty-one times this word. Just about always referring to those who herald the Word of God.
“To proclaim after the manner of a herald, always with the suggestion of formality, gravity and an authority which must be listened to and obeyed, to publish, proclaim openly.”
This is a serious matter young men. We are God’s spokesmen. We have no right to be proud or arrogant about it, for we must remember, it is His Word that preach, not ours.
PREACH THE WORD ALL THE TIME. Interesting language the teacher uses here. He begins by saying, “Be ready.” It suggests study, preparation of mind and life, time, energy, and effort are all involved.
“In season.” Whenever you have the opportunity. Don’t be about your opportunities young men, when the King opens a door, His herald must proclaim the Word.
“Out of season.” Paul’s word here isn’t found anywhere else in Scripture. It means even when it’s not seasonable for others to hear. Sometimes our hearers will demand something other than the Word of God.
Brother Keeble said this verse could read, “Preach it when it’s popular, and preach it when it ain’t!” We are to preach the Word of God all the time.
PREACH THE WORD WITH PASSION. “Reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction…”
There are times we will seem negative, there are times we will seem positive, but we must always proclaim the Word with passion. Those who hear Christ’s herald must see Jesus (John 12:21).
PRACTICE THE WORD WE PREACH. “But you…” It doesn’t matter what others do. If you are going to be a man of God, this is how you should be.
"Man of God." A phrase that is only used twice in the N.T. Both times, Paul is addressing Timothy, a preacher. It is used numerous times in the O.T., always referring to God's messenger. We need to work to be God's man, not the elder's man, not the churches man, not the people's man, God's man!
“…Be sober in all things…” Here is yet nother reminder of the seriousness of our calling. We cannot be frivolous; this hour of proclamation is not to be a time of entertainment.
There needs to be a Holy fear as we stand in the presence of Almighty God to proclaim His Message.
“…Endure hardship, fulfill your ministry.” Whatever comes your way, you are to carry on. Stay busy in your ministry; pack your life full of doing the work of God.
If it sounds like a daunting task, it is because that’s what it is. With apologies to all others, this is the most important work in the entire world. It is why our Savior came to this earth.
I say to my young preacher friends, as well as to all of us who preach, congratulations; you have chosen the most precious, most rewarding work in the world.
You have the opportunity to change men’s lives, and more importantly, the opportunity to affect their eternal destiny. So there it is, “PREACH THE WORD.”
Dear Father, we thank You for giving us the opportunity to proclaim Your Word. Help us Lord, to always Preach the Word. Help us to be Your man. Forgive us when we are weak and when we fail to honor You. Help us to always follow in the steps of our Savior, in whose wonderful Name we pray, Amen.