“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in  
view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be 
 prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great  
patience and careful instruction.“

2 Timothy 4:1-2 

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September 19, 2025

Paul concluded his encouragement in this second letter to Timothy with a challenge invoking the presence of God the Father and Jesus the Messiah. His charge to Timothy was clear: “Preach the Word.” This command has been carried down through the centuries to our present day. Followers of Jesus should preach the Word, and hear the Word preached when they gather.  

Timothy is admonished to be prepared to share from the Word at all times. Sermon preparation is necessary for preaching. Familiarity with the Word facilitates real-time speech that communicates spiritual truths in daily life situations. Every believer can develop this as we derive practical applications from long-term regular Bible study. 

Paul lays out several necessary functions of preaching. The first is to correct. This suggests helping those who have unwittingly missed the mark and need to be shown their error to get back on target. The second is to rebuke. This seems stronger, indicating a need for more direct confrontation, and a path to set things right. The third is to encourage. This would seem less stressful than the first two, coming alongside eager followers to facilitate the application of Jesus’ way to daily life. 

Paul concludes with advice on how to go about implementing his admonitions, which we might sum up as: “How we communicate is as important as what we communicate.” Timothy is to preach with “great patience and careful instruction.” We might imagine that as being forthright, but leaving the results in God’s hands. Timothy would need wisdom to know what issues needed to be addressed and what did not.  

Timothy was mortal, as are the leaders of Wheaton Bible Church. Mortals make mistakes. Timothy’s implementation of Paul’s words was undoubtedly imperfect. Our pastors will make mistakes, just as all of us do. We, as a church, both pastors and laity, need correction, rebuke, and encouragement. The word of God is the authoritative voice in all of this, which each of us must take to heart.     

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • Why is it important for pastors to always preach the Word?  
  • When have you received correction or a rebuke from the preaching of the Word, and what was your response?  
  • Why is great patience and careful instruction important for pastors and teachers of the Word?     

Church Reading Plan:

  • Today. September 19 : 2 Samuel 15; 2 Corinthians 8 
  • Saturday, September 20: 2 Samuel 16; 2 Corinthians 9 
  • Sunday, September 21: 2 Samuel 17; 2 Corinthians 10