By Dave Breese

There is a solemn assignment which is pressed upon us in the Word of God. In Paul’s last message to the Church he said, “I charge you therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (II Tim. 4:1).

What an awesome statement! The great apostle is now going to deliver a commission to us which he introduces by saying he is doing this before God and the Lord Jesus Christ. We can now, therefore, expect a set of instructions that may be the most important we have ever heard in all of life. What instructions are of such great consequence that he introduces them like this?

The first is, “Preach the word” (II Tim. 4:2). In the preceding chapter, Paul has reminded us of the perils that shall come upon the world and, therefore, the only message to be brought to the world, namely the words of Holy Scripture. He reminds us that they are given to us by inspiration of God (II Tim. 3:16). Therefore, the primary point of Paul’s commission is that we are to communicate the Word. The Bible must be presented earnestly, energetically and correctly.

This is a serious note that should be heeded by every pastor, evangelist, missionary, Sunday School teacher, Christian witness. There are interesting theories and colorful illustrations which are flying about the Church of our time in great numbers. Along with clever sermons, they color the landscape.

But about everything we hear we should ask, “Is it the Word of God?” Many an evangelistic message would suffer somewhat under the pressing question of, “But is it the Gospel?” Indeed, too many versions of the Gospel are given credentials in our time. The final result will surely be merely nominal Christians who need to be saved. The Bible warns us away from “any other Gospel” (Gal. 1:8).

Secondly, Paul says, “Be instant in season, out of season” (II Tim. 4:2). This means, of course, that we should serve Christ when we feel like it and when we don’t. Summer, winter, spring or fall—all of these are “in season” for the Gospel. That single great theme —the Gospel of the grace of God —should be on the instant lips of every believer. We must be everlastingly at it! Beware of spiritual fatigue.

Then we have the word, “reprove” (II Tim. 4:2). By so speaking, the Scriptures recommend a gentle admonition to those who in some small way are diverging from the faith in teaching or in life. The faithful reproof of a friend, given in time, can save a lifetime of ministry. “A stitch in time saves nine.”

But then strongly, Paul says, “Rebuke” (II Tim. 4:2). Yes, there are some blossoming heretics in the Church who should not be the object of our congratulation and forbearance. They should be rebuked, that the Church may be sound in the faith. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6).

Exhortation is then in order. This should be done with patience and with the application of sound doctrine. Alas, the time has come upon us when the suggestion of “sound doctrine” has become an irritant to many accommodating Christian leaders. Indeed, many necessary doctrines of the Christian faith are now being sacrificed to the popular call to “unity.” We must remind ourselves again that it is far better to divide over the truth than it is to unite over error. Almost all unity movements become theologically round at the corners lest some potential supporters become displeased. True unity cannot be organized into existence. It just “happens” when believers find themselves in warm agreement with the message and the mission. Organized unity as expressed by “covenants” and “manifestos” soon palls.

Paul then warns us all that “the time will come when they (the Church) will not endure sound doctrine” (II Tim. 4:3). Rather, it will have fascinations about one thing or another and hire clever teachers to approve of these doctrinal fascinations. Finally, there will be a rebellion against truth, and fables will become the material in the pulpits of the Church.

Who can doubt that the vast majority of churches and people who are now a part of “the Christian religion” have long since defected from the faith. It is easily provable that 90% of the Christian religionists in our time believe one or more heretical propositions that presently are being touted as the truth.

We should not be surprised at this development. Because, of course, spiritual treason is predicted in the Word of God as coming to pass at the end of the age. In fact, Paul has already warned Timothy by saying, “Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons” (I Tim. 4:1).

In response to this, the Apostle Paul earnestly exhorts Timothy and all of us by saying, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (II Tim. 4:5).

Finally, let us remember that Paul says these things, “before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (II Tim. 4:1). Few words in the Epistles could be considered more serious than these. Nevertheless, this admonition has been ignored or deliberately disobeyed by many a Christian and many a Christian leader. As a result, heresies aplenty have infected the Church and alternative causes have subverted the time and energy of the people of God. These words of the Apostle Paul, therefore, should become a great corrective for our time. Good soldiers will heed.

Now—forward to the fray!

There are spiritual lessons to be learned from examining the Word of God—especially in the light of the days through which we are passing. The perceptive Christian will take confidence in the following:

Jesus Christ presides above history. He therefore is able to say to every Christian, “Be anxious for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6). He promises, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” and that’s the confidence in which we can walk in these times.

The Christian is never discouraged but anticipates a far better tomorrow. The Bible promises that the things of this world are really “our light affliction, which is but for a moment” and it tells us that these things work for us “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (II Cor. 4:17). The ultimate fulfillment in the life of a Christian is not in cooperating circumstances in this world but in the glorious realities of heaven. Because of this we live lives of joy and great anticipation.

This is a great hour to witness for Christ. Anxiety in many forms has come upon the lives of people which makes it a tremendous time to tell others about the saving grace of our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity” is an axiom that will surely be fulfilled in our time.