Timothy is given this solemn charge to preach the word (v1-2). He has to do it in light of the coming judgment. As Richard Baxter said, preachers are to preach ‘as dying men to dying men’. This brings home the seriousness of what is involved; men’s eternal destinies.

In the midst of godless days, the preaching of the scriptures is the great weapon the church has in seeing sinners saved (3 v15) and see believers built up (3 v16-17). This preaching has to include patient and careful correcting, rebuking and encouraging. This will be challenging as it uncovers sin but it will be encouraging as it points to the grace and hope in Christ.

Paul teaches the time will come when people will not want faithful preaching (v3-4, see 1 Corinthians 1 v22-23). What is to be the response of Timothy (v5)? He is to remain faithful to his calling as a minister which means he keeps on preaching (v2), seeking to see the unsaved and come to salvation.

In the midst of opposition, we keep our heads and keep doing as a church what God calls us to do and trust in Him to bring the fruit in His time. How much do you love and pray for the preaching of God’s Word in your church? How important is the preaching of God’s word to you? Do you grasp that through faithful preaching God is speaking to you? How wonderful this is.