2 Tim 4:1-2
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.
In 2 Timothy 4, Paul knows that he will see the Lord soon, so he gives his final charge to Timothy. From verse 2 to verse 5, there are 9 commands. Verses 2 alone has five commands.
In verse 1, Paul charged Timothy “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus.” “Timothy, God knows what I am telling you. Jesus is watching what you will do. Don’t be afraid. Since God is watching, He will bless His work through you.”
Paul commanded Timothy “preach the word.” The word “preach” does not only refer to Sunday preaching. It also refers to proclaim or announce openly and publicly (like Mark 1:4; Luke 4:18). Paul is saying, “Timothy, go and tell.”
You might have tried to share the Gospel and people refused it. Don’t worry. Paul tells Timothy, “be ready in season and out of season.” Always stand by in time and place. Not only look for opportunities, but also proactively wait for opportunities.
Dear brothers and sisters, “preach the word” is not limited to pastors or professional evangelists. It is the work of every Christian. In 2021, I hope our church members will be salt and light in our community. Let’s all bring the Good News to others and “reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
提後4:1-2
我在 神面前，並在將來審判活人死人的基督耶穌面前，憑著他的顯現和他的國度囑咐你：務要傳道，無論得時不得時，總要專心，並用百般的忍耐、各樣的教訓責備人，警戒人，勸勉人。
在提摩太後書4章中，保羅知道他很快會見主，因此他將最後的吩咐告訴提摩太。從第2節到第5節，有九個命令。單單在第 2節就有五個命令。
在第1節中，保羅「在 神和基督耶穌的面前」囑咐提摩太。「提摩太，神知道我要對你說的話，耶穌在看著你會怎麼做。不要害怕，既然上帝在看，祂必會祝福祂透過你所做的的工。」
保羅吩咐提摩太「務要傳道」。「傳道」不僅指主日講道，也指公開宣告或報告（如可1:4；路4:18）。保羅說：「提摩太，去傳講。」
你可能試圖分享福音，但人們拒絕了。不用擔心，保羅告訴提摩太，「無論得時不得時」，總要專心準備好，隨時待命。不僅尋找機會，而且積極等待機會。
親愛的兄弟姐妹們，「傳道」不僅限於牧師或專職的宣教士。這是每個基督徒的工作。盼望2021年，我們教會的成員能在社區中做鹽做光。讓我們一起將好消息帶給他人，並「用百般的忍耐，各樣的教訓責備人，警戒人，勸勉人。」
～ Rev. Clement Woo 胡嘉明牧師～
Comments