2 Timothy 4:3-5 – Oncoming Corruption

Timothy must direct and encourage those who begin well. He must do it very patiently. If he doesn’t see the effect of his work immediately, he should not give up or get tired of speaking to his congregation. God is patient with us, we should be patient with others. Timothy must encourage and exhort his congregation, not with empty words, but with good teaching. He must teach them the truth of Jesus, and this will help them to put sin to death and strive to love and obey Christ.

Timothy must be sober-minded. He must be careful. He must watch his work, watch against the temptation of Satan, and he must watch over the souls of those committed to his charge. Timothy must count upon sufferings, endure them, and make the best of them. He should not let his suffering discourage him. Timothy must remember his calling and responsibilities. He is to do the work of an evangelist. He is to tell others about Christ. And he is to fulfil his ministry. It is a great trust that has been given to him, and he must perform all parts of his office with diligence and care.

Paul gives reasons for why he is charging Timothy in this way. False teaching and heresy is likely to creep into the church and corrupt the mind of many who profess Christianity. Paul says the time will come when the people won’t endure sound teaching, so Timothy must take advantage of the present time when they will endure it. There will be those who will accumulate false teachers and turn away from the truth, so Timothy must seek to secure as many as he can, so that when the storms and tempests of false teaching arise, they may be stable and fixed upon Christ. Some will stop listening to the truth, they will get tired of the plain gospel of Christ, and will turn to myths and teachers who will say what they want to hear. Timothy must prepare himself and his congregation for these times.

Questions
1. Why must Timothy be patient?
2. What is going to creep into the church?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that you would keep your eyes fixed on Christ.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.