Preach the Word

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

(2 Timothy 4:2)

Meditation

I used to think it was only the pastors job to preach the Word of God. I’m not a preacher, so it didn’t occur to me to share the gospel. However, this verse does not say, “Preachers, preach the word.” Whether you realize it or not, we are all ministers of the gospel. We have been charged with the awesome task of telling everyone about Jesus and why he went to the cross. When Jesus gave the “Great Commission,” to make disciples of all nations; he wasn’t just talking to his own disciples. He was speaking to every one of us. There is no other mission or calling more important than that for us. Even if we go to church every Sunday, but do nothing else, we’re not in the game; we’re just spectators. Jesus doesn’t want fans, he wants followers.

Whether we’re in church or somewhere else, we’re responsible to make sure that sound doctrine is being preached. Although it’s hard, it’s important to correct even the most seasoned believer if their interpretations of scripture are wrong. It should never be a public shaming. It should be done with loving patience, and without angry yelling or a pointing finger. Too often, we expect perfection from everyone but ourselves. We want to be given the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes forget to extend the same courtesy to others when they make mistakes. It’s only when they continue in their apostasy that we resort to a stronger rebuke. But even a rebuke can be delivered with love.

Probably more important than a correction or rebuke, is the pat on the back in recognition of hard work. It should be our first instinct to reassure a fellow believer with praise and encouragement in the Lord. For instance, did you know most preachers of the gospel hear only criticism for their sermons than praise. Too many of us think our preachers only work on Sundays. Thoughtful sermon preparation is very hard work. All too often, they will burn out and feel unappreciated for the hard work they do. Many good ministers of the gospel have left the ministry for that very reason. It’s every believer’s responsibility to encourage each other every chance we get. Make everyone feel valued for what they do, whether they’re the preacher or a sidewalk evangelist.

Daily Prayer

Oh, Lord God, you are high and mighty. You are worthy of our praise and worship. Prepare our hearts, O God, for the tasks at hand. Be with us if we ever have to show a brother or sister their thoughts about a matter of doctrine are incorrect. We are not concerned with matters of opinion, only when their ideas will lead others astray of the gospel message. We pray for the people who are preaching a social gospel, or health and wealth gospel. They are false and we need to lovingly correct them whenever we have the opportunity. If they disregard our correction, even when we prove their error from scripture, then give us the courage and the words to rebuke them in a loving way. It’s not our responsibility to condemn them, but only to bring them back into right standing with you. Help us to always follow your gospel teaching and to pass them along whenever the opportunity arises. We pray this through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!