PREACHING THE WORD II TIMOTHY 4:1-4

This solemn charge was given to Timothy. II Timothy 4:1-4 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. This solemn charge was given to Timothy. He was an evangelist.

It was his job to “preach the word.” This charge was not given to preachers only. II Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. The charge to preach and teach is to all Christians. This can be done: One on one Small groups Large groups It just needs to be done. Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.''

We Have Examples Of Preaching Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. He preached Christ to them Acts 2:22, 36, 38 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. He told them what to do. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Phillip preached to the Samaritans and Simon. He preached Christ to them Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. Acts 8:12-13 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

Phillip also preached to the Eunuch. Acts 8:35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Acts 8:36-38 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?'' Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may.'' And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'' So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. We must preach Christ. Anything else is unacceptable.

Baptized to wash away your sins. Saul Acts 22:16 `And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' Pentecost Repent Be Baptized Samaritans Believed Baptized Simon Believed Baptized The Eunuch Believed Confessed Baptized Saul Baptized to wash away your sins. Believe Repent Confess Baptism This is how one becomes a Christian.

It gives a basis of faith. Why Preach ? It gives a basis of faith. Romans 10:13-14 For "whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'' How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!'' But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?'' So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

It produces repentance. It convicts sinners. Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?'' It produces repentance. Jonah preached The people of Nineveh repented. I Thessalonians 1:9-10 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

It strengthens the weak. Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. It reproves the erring. II Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Necessity is laid upon us. I Corinthians 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, "I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.'' But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. It saves the lost The world is lost. Cannot save ourselves. Proverbs 16:25 There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Only the gospel has the power to save people from their sins. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. James 1:21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. I Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

This gospel salvation is for all. I Timothy 2:3-4 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, It must faithfully be preached. Acts 20:26-27 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

It is the way God wanted it. James 3:1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. I Timothy 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. It is the way God wanted it. I Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

Given by David Hamlin on 7-5-09 pm Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.hollisterchurchofchrist.org