In 2 Timothy we read Paul’s command to Timothy to preach the gospel. Study this passage to see how you should preach the gospel timely and untimely.
Outline of 2 Timothy 4:1-5
- 2 Timothy 4:1-2
Paul’s very serious instruction to Timothy: Preach the gospel! - 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Paul’s reason for this instruction: Non-believers will increase - 2 Timothy 4:5
A summary of Paul’s instruction to Timothy: Fulfil your ministry!
In 2 Timothy 4:1-5 Paul gives Timothy his assignment regarding the Bible: Timothy must preach the gospel. He must do it everywhere and always, because people need to hear about the gospel, even if they don’t want to. This passage teaches us what the assignment is that all servants of Christ receive: Preach the gospel – everywhere and always!
1 What shows that Paul is giving very serious instructions to Timothy in this passage?
2 What do we read Christ will do at his second coming? How does it make you feel?
The meaning of “judge”: To solemnly decide whether something or someone is right or wrong. Christ will judge all people (those who are already dead and those who are still alive) at his second coming. He will decide whether they are eternally saved, or eternally lost. Does that scare you? You don’t have to be afraid. The Bible comforts you that everyone who believes in Christ has been cleansed from all his or her sins by him. On the day of judgment, we will stand before Christ, and it will seem as if we never sinned – so perfectly did Christ pay for our sins.
3 What does it mean to keep preaching the Word “in season and out of season”? Note that this can also be phrased “timely and untimely”.
4 Give examples of times where it was difficult for you to preach the gospel.
5 What can we do to make certain that we preach the gospel in and out of season?
6 What is the difference between “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” in verse 2? Note that the NIV uses the words “correct, rebuke and encourage”.
7 Why do we receive the command to teach “with complete patience”?
8 Why must Timothy, according to verse 3, preach the gospel in and out of season?
The meaning of sound teaching (NIV: sound doctrine): This refers to what is taught in the Bible. If someone preaches something that is not found in the Bible, it is not sound teaching. To endure the sound doctrine means to be obedient to what the Bible teaches. Read 1 Timothy 1:10 and 2 Timothy 1:13.
9 Give examples from our society where people follow their own desires and have teachers who only say what they want to hear.
10 What four instructions does Paul finally give Timothy in verse 5?
The meaning of “sober-minded”: Calm and peaceful. To be sober is not to be deceived by all kinds of lies and stories. The NIV uses the very apt phrase, “keep your head in all situations”.
11 When is it necessary for you to stay sober-minded? Give examples of how you can do it.
12 How would you summarize Paul’s four instructions to Timothy in verse 5?
Summary
Amid a world that does not want to hear the gospel – and does not even
realize that they need to hear the gospel – our command is: Continue to preach the gospel. This is not always easy. But this is our calling, and the Lord gives us the strength to do it. What a privilege to be an instrument in his hand when we preach the gospel!
Prayer guidelines
- Thank God that as a believer you do not have to fear the judgment day, because you have been saved from your sin by Christ.
- Pray that God will give you the boldness to preach the gospel timely and untimely.
- Pray that God will put the necessary words in your mouth when you preach the gospel.
