AN URGENT CHARGE

by Charles R. Swindoll

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-16

Paul wrote with urgency, "I solemnly 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, exhort, with great patience and instruction" (4:1-2).
In other words, stick with the preaching plan God has promised to bless and use.
Deliver the biblical goods! Be a man or woman of the Word!

Don't attempt to be so creative and cute that folks miss the
truth. No need for meaningless and silly substitutes that entertain but rarely
convict the lost and edify the saved. Teach the truth. Will you notice something
here? This exhortation is not addressed to the hearer, it's for the speaker. The
one who is to do this is the one proclaiming the message. Be ready to do it in
season and out of season. Being ready implies being prepared both mentally and
spiritually.

In essence, Paul says, "Don't be lazy. Do your homework. Don't
stand up and start with an apology that you didn't quite have adequate time to
prepare. That doesn't wash." And do so faithfully---when it's convenient and
when it's not.

Sadly, in an alarming number of churches today, God's people are
being told what they want to hear rather than what they need
to hear. They are being fed warm milk, not solid meat. A watered-down
gospel may attract large crowds (for a while), but it has no eternal impact.
I've not been able to find any place in the Scriptures where God expresses the
least bit of concern for drawing numbers. Satisfying the curious itching ears of
our postmodern audiences is an exercise in futility.

The task of ministry is to deliver Truth. Frankly, I intend to
continue doing just that, by God's grace, until the day He calls me home. And I
think there is an ever-increasing number of believers who long for nourishing
messages based on the Word of God, not human opinion.

The world urgently needs more Christians with the fervor and faith
of Paul. Will you be one of them? Will you answer the charge? If so, there's no
better time than now to begin.

Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all nations . . . and I will
be with you" (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV). There is no greater challenge and no more
comforting promise. Believe it. Trust it. And by the grace of God, go do it!

Powered by ScribeFire.