Preach the Word

General Session #1

Phil Johnson

2 Timothy 2:15 “Preach the Word”

All Timothy had as instruction for ministry and for the development of ministry philosophy was Paul’s personal example and 10 chapters (1 and 2 Timothy), which is the equivalent of a 9 ½ page business letter.

Timothy’s instruction manual is summarized by II Timothy 4:1-5. The productivity of spending time with other men and setting an example for them on the basis of God’s Word is immeasurable.

God’s mandate for ministry: Preach the Word (privately and publically). There are no important instructions for ministry (not advice, but an imperative) than II Timothy 4:1-5.

9 Imperatives to tell how we fulfill God’s mandate (Preach the Word):

1)       Preach the Word – Command not Advice; narrow command; our topic has been chosen

2)       Be ready in and out of season: Meaning to stand firm; stand on the Word; Stick to it; also be ready to preach it

3)       Reprove: Telling someone they are wrong; the most loving thing we can do for people is to correct their thinking

4)       Rebuke: Call wrong thinking evil (Titus 1:9); unbiblical thinking is evil

5)       Exhort: This is a very sweet word meaning refreshment, encouragement. We must be gentle, loving, and kind in correcting wrong thinking

6)       Be sober-minded: alertness; seriousness; thoughtfulness – we should treat the Word with the reverence and care it demands.

7)       Endure suffering: If you aren’t willing to do this, you should not be in ministry because suffering in ministry is inescapable. Stand on the Word and stick to the Word when you suffer.

8)       Do the work of an evangelist: Keep the story of redemption at the center of ministry

9)       Fulfill the work of your ministry (by fulfilling imperatives 1-8).

Stop following evangelical fads and worldly trends and follow God’s mandate and method in II Timothy 4:1-5.