2 Timothy 4: 1-8
I charge you in the presence
of God and of Christ Jesus,
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine
but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity,
will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth
and will be diverted to myths.
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances;
put up with hardship;
perform the work of an evangelist;
fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well;
I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
who will judge the living and the dead,
and by his appearing and his kingly power:
proclaim the word;
be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient;
convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.
For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine
but, following their own desires and insatiable curiosity,
will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the truth
and will be diverted to myths.
But you, be self-possessed in all circumstances;
put up with hardship;
perform the work of an evangelist;
fulfill your ministry.
For I am already being poured out like a libation,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have competed well;
I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.
From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,
which the Lord, the just judge,
will award to me on that day, and not only to me,
but to all who have longed for his appearance.
For the time will come when
people will not tolerate sound doctrine but, following their own desires and
insatiable curiosity, will accumulate teachers and will stop listening to the
truth and will be diverted to myths.
Who can read this passage and not see it speaking to us
today? We have traded undeniable doctrine for the falsities of selfish desire.
We are no longer a nation of truth but a nation of lies. God knew this day was
coming. He encourages us to stay true to his word, proclaiming it justly with
patience and love. Indeed, a deacon is the minister of the word. In this way we
are fire pots for the ever burning embers of truth. We must be prepared at all
times to breathe life into them and bring forth the flames of God’s love for
all people. This role will bring with it persecution and hardship but we are
called to endure all things for the Lord. Our predecessors endured much worse
hardships than what we face currently. Hardships even to death. If we are to
stay true to this calling we must be willing and ready to endure the same
hardships if called upon to do so.
Lord, send your Holy Spirit down upon us to inspire and
guide us to be holy people always true to your word, giving glorious witness to
the world of your love for us. Help us to carry your light to all in darkness
and to be a beacon in the night to guide others back to you. Enkindled with
your love and Holy Spirit let us boldly stand in the public square and give testimony
to your greatness and let the people know us by the love we have for each other
and for them.
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