2 Timothy 4
Psalm 97
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
I had a conversation with someone recently who said, “I try to be a witness for Jesus, but I don’t really share the word about Jesus with anyone.”
This is the opposite to what Jesus, the Judge of the living and the dead, commands. Yes, our actions of mercy must back up our words, but we must speak words too. Jesus commands His true followers to ‘preach the word.’
What specific word are we commanded to speak you ask? The text tells us in the words that come before: ‘….you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.’ (2 Timothy 3:15)
Words of salvation through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ are what we are commanded to share with everyone. That is the gospel message.
‘… faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.’ (Romans 10:17)
Is telling people about Jesus always easy, natural or convenient? No. But as with all strong desires or ambitions we have in other areas, we should seek to do our best to make a way or a time for this. God is faithful to empower us by His Holy Spirit to ‘fight the good fight’ (verse 7), to proclaim and glorify Jesus.
Heavenly Father, please make us willing and brave enough, by Your Spirit, to obey Your command to witness others about the wonderful rescue from sin and judgement that is available through the achievements of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.