Would people describe you as bold or courageous? Sometimes I wonder if boldness and courage come with age. I find it interesting that bold, courageous speech comes with a more powerful punch when time is short. Even as we do not know what tomorrow holds, how complacent we get thinking we have “more time.”

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

James 4:14, ESV

Paul’s words to Timothy provide encouragement, as he grows in his ministry. But as I progress through the letters in the New Testament, I sense greater boldness and urgency in Paul’s words. By the time he writes the letter 2 Timothy, Paul had to know his time on this earth was rapidly approaching the end. He packs that letter with so much direction for Timothy.

Paul’s words to Timothy empower us to remember the urgency of sharing God’s Word with one another. 

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

2 Timothy 4:2, ESV

BibleRef provides some commentary about these words from 2 Timothy 4:2. This short verse directs us with 7 ways to share God’s Word.

Convenience

One of the first times we should share God’s Word is when it is “in season” or convenient. As I consider this idea, I wonder how often I miss opportunities to share with others. Simply sharing about the work that the Lord is doing in my life is such a convenient way to share Truth. Sharing God’s Word doesn’t have to be a deep, full sermon. Every believer can share how the Lord is working. Our sharing will validate the goodness He brings to our lives is an easy, convenient way.

Every good and perfect gift is from above.

James 1:17a, NIV

Inconvenience

Despite the ease and convenience of sharing God’s Word at times, we are called to share even when situations feel less convenient. 

It is the same with my word.
    I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
    and it will prosper everywhere I send it. 

Isaiah 55:11, NLT

Being prepared to share our own testimony and what we are studying in God’s Word equips us to share regardless of the circumstances. Of course, we will never be able to share during an inconvenient time, if we are not consistently in our Bibles in the first place.

Correction

One of the inconvenient times to share God’s Word may be when we hear Truth shared in error. The New Testament epistles talk a great deal about guarding against false teachers. Assumptions, presumptions, and general errancy creeps into culture’s understanding of what Christianity is. As believers, we are called to speak into those errors. Of course, correction should be delivered with a level of humility. 

Rebuke

While there are times to correct, there are also times to go a step further and rebuke. Making a mistake or erroneously believing untruth is one thing, but actively promoting falsehood is plain evil. These situations call for more than basic correction. 

This word rebuke is the greek word epitimaō (G2008). The Blue Letter Bible defines this word as “to admonish or charge sharply.”

While rebuke is uncomfortable, the full armor of God equips us when rebuke is necessary.

Exhortation

God’s Word tells us the importance of encouraging one another. Encouragement is not a suggestion, but a command.

But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 3:13, NASB

Last week, I had “one of those weeks.” You know the ones. If it could be hard, it was. If it could go wrong, it did. Sometimes you just want to throw in the towel during those weeks. 

When I sit here today and reflect on everything, I am thankful for some encouragement that came my way. A sweet handwritten note from a friend. A text from a co-worker. A prayer from another friend. A kind word from a peer. These simple moments of encouragement, especially when accompanied by the Truth of God’s Word, provided the exact amount of support needed for me to persevere.

As I write these words, I’m even considering how I can provide that encouragement for others next week.

Preaching in patience

Along with encouragement, we are called to share God’s Word with patience. Not everyone will receive the words we share. Not everyone is open to the gospel. I often think of Paul’s story. Before he was Paul, he was Saul. He could not see Truth. The work of God removing his blinders had to happen before he was open to the gospel message.

The same is true for everyone before they come to know the Word. Our human words cannot change hearts. That is the work of the Holy Spirit. However, once God softens a heart, our words can be the encouragement and Truth that are needed.

Hence, patience. 

We don’t know the readiness of everyone’s heart. Sharing can end in frustration unless we know our role, practice humility, and demonstrate patience.

Teaching

Finally, Paul sends the reminder about teaching. Just this morning, I was reading Hebrews 5:11-14. I was reminded how important studying, learning, and growing in God’s word is. While reading God’s Word is essential for growth, sometimes we need good teachers to come alongside us.

Of course, as Hebrews 5 reminded me this morning, maturity in our faith will necessitate teaching God’s Word to others. Teaching can be as simple as discipling a newer believer. I have found teaching at conferences, on social media, and through my blog to be rewarding. Of course, the Lord will bring those opportunities, as we remain faithful to his Word and open to His leading.

As I consider this short verse in 2 Timothy 4, I realize the direct words are a dying man’s last directions to his student. However, I can’t help but think how important these words are to any maturing believer. While bold words from one’s death bed may be life changing, let us not neglect the Truth in all circumstances, in all situations, at all times.

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Free Bible Journaling Conference

The annual Bible Journaling Conference has officially launched! Mark you calendars for October 16-18, 2024. I have loved sharing God’s Word at this conference for the past few years, and this year, we will be studying Women of the Word! You can register today!! Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to get more sneak peeks of what to expect this year!