The young preacher strutted up to the pulpit. He had an air of arrogance about him and rightfully so. Having just graduated from seminary and he was ready to show the world just how smart he was, he was ready to preach the word. Just as he opened his notes, a breeze blew through the old church. His notes were scattered all over the pulpit and stage. He fumbled to get them organized and studdered in his words. Finally, in complete defeat, he walked off the stage sobbing. Two elders were sitting next to each other, and one turned to the other and said: “If he entered the pulpit like he left it would’ve been a powerful sermon.”
2 Timothy 4:1-4
I 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, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths
Ready and Prepared
Paul’s final words to Timothy were to be ready and prepared to preach the Word. As a young pastor, Timothy had a lot of responsibilities. Paul wanted him to make sure that preaching the Word was at the top of the list. The Word of God, when it is faithfully preached, has the power to reprove and rebuke. It can speak to the secret sin in a person’s heart. The Holy Spirit can take words written thousands of years ago and speak to people today.
Stands On Its Own
As Christians, we need to be ready to share God’s word with those who cross our path. The word of God stands on its own. When we speak its truth, it does the work of rebuking and correcting. Our attitude should be one of love for the person we are sharing. We should encourage them and have great patience. Let the Word do its work.
True Power
There will come a time when people won’t want to hear the word. They will follow men who tickle their ears and suit their own passions. The person who teaches God’s word may not be popular, but he will be powerful. Those who are looking for real change in their lives will seek them out. Make sure you are sitting under a preacher who preaches from the Bible.