In Good Times and In Bad (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
Andy Nagahara
1. Knowing God's will (1, 2)
1) Paul's last will (1)
1 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:
2) God's word (2)
2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.
2. Maintaining the church's health (3-5)
1) Ever-present dangers (3, 4)
3 For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
2) But as for us (5)
5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Summary
God is working to bring love into this world through each of us. Only God's love can bring justice, peace, and joy to all people. Because we have been touched by God's love, we can joyfully join in this work. We've been given God's word, so that we will not stray from God's will. And if this word can't be spread to others accurately, we can't maintain the church's health. Let's maintain our own spiritual health through God's word.
For Discussion
1) What does it mean for us to spread God's word?
2) What can you do to help maintain Your Church's heath?