Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Exegesis
- Theme: Preaching God’s word
- Topic: Why Timothy must preach the word of God faithfully
- Truth: When Jesus comes again to establish His kingdom once and for all, He will reward those who are faithful to His word and judge those who are unfaithful.
- Thrust: Timothy must preach the word of God in season and out of season.
Exposition
- Theme: Preaching the word of God
- Topic: Why those who are called to preach must preach God’s word faithfully
- Truth: When Jesus returns to establish His kingdom, He will reward those who are faithful to His word and judge those who are not.
- Thrust: Those who are called to preach must preach the word of God faithfully, looking to God and Jesus as the One who will reward them someday.
Exhortation
- Type: Truth and Thrust oriented
- Take Home Message: Those who are faithful with the word will be rewarded by the Lord. .
- Trailing question: Why should we preach the word of God faithfully in spite of people’s negative responses?
- Teaching outline (the sermon proper):
A. Take-off (intro)
The highest value today is tolerance. To be tolerant is to be wise and mature. But tolerance, in today’s definition, is not simply respecting people’s opinions or views. It has to do with the whole concept of truth. Is there such a thing as truth? Can we actually say something is right or wrong? Tolerance, for many people today, especially when it relates to religion, simply means “believe whatever you like to believe.” Consequently, there is growing disdain for preachers who claim to preach “the truth.” How can those who are called by God to preach continue to preach in such a negative environment?
B. Teaching outline (body):
Those who are called by God to preach the word of God must do so faithfully regardless of how people are responding. The simple reason is this: Those who are faithful with the word will be rewarded by the Lord. People may not listen or respond in obedience to the word of God (vv.1-5). That will happen, according to the apostle Paul. It’s part of prophecy. But it’s also true that in the end God will honor and reward those who are faithful in preaching His word regardless of what happens. Therefore, those who preach must look to God as the One who will reward them in the end. They must endure hardship and preach the word in season and out of season.
C. Touchdown (conclusion)
Preaching may not be a lucrative career, but it is the vocation that will be rewarded someday, if we do it faithfully. God will reward those who faithfully preach His word regardless of how people are responding. Do this starting today, and focus yourself on the rewards that God and Jesus will give you on that Day. Don’t focus on pleasing people. Stay faithful!
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