Sufficient and Profitable (32)

In his ministry, Timothy would have to deal with many people who are enemies of the Christian faith. Since we have already referred to it several times, we will not repeat Paul's description of these "men of depraved minds" (3:8). But besides what he has said in 3:1-13, Paul adds in 4:3-4 to his description of the kind of people that Timothy would have to face: "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

It is in such a context that Paul charges Timothy to "Preach the Word" (4:2).²⁹ He must do it "in season and out of season," whether the times are favorable or unfavorable. This is a remarkable charge, and very instructive for our time. Can you not see what Paul is saying? He tells Timothy that the Scripture is useful and sufficient to equip the minister "for every good work." And then he adds that the Bible is sufficient, that it is the answer, even when the people refuses to listen to the Bible!

To paraphrase, Paul is telling Timothy, "Terrible times are coming, when all kinds of evil people will roam the earth and the church. When this happens, Timothy, just continue in what you have learned and become convinced of. I am referring to the Scripture that you have known since you were an infant. It will carry you through these terrible times; it will secure your faith in God and maintain your holy character. Moreover, this same Bible will function as an adequate equipment with which you can teach and correct others. Now, the time will come when people don't want to hear what the Bible has to say. But you must preach the word of God, whether the times are favorable or unfavorable. Even when people refuse to listen to the Bible, preach the Bible some more – 'keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry' (4:5). Even when your preaching ministry is not welcomed, just keep on doing what you are supposed to do."

But Paul does not say, "If the people refuse to listen to Bible preaching, then you must accommodate them and reach them where they are. You must dilute the message somewhat so that you will not offend them right away. You must make your church seeker-friendly so that even those who hate the Bible will come in and feel comfortable, and that even those who gather around themselves teachers who will say what they want to hear will somehow accept you. If they don't like the Bible, maybe you can make your sermons shorter, or not preach at all. Maybe you can play the kind of music that they will enjoy. And if you will open a coffee shop inside the church, then it will make the church experience even more enjoyable for people."

Many churches have strayed far from what the apostle prescribes. He says, "If people don't want to hear the Bible, keep on preaching it. Discharge all the duties of your ministry." The Bible is sufficient for everyone – to teach children, to equip ministers, and to confront hardened apostates and hostile detractors.

 

Notes

²⁹ See Vincent Cheung, Preach the Word.

(to be continued)