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NASB | 2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 2 Timothy 4:2 preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. |
Bible Question: Why do you suppose Paul exhorts Timothy (and us) to be ready in and out of season? Has "convenience" influenced the Church? If so, what should our response be? |
Bible Answer: I personally do not believe that convenience has influenced the church as much as the adversary has through lazy and selfish Christians who are to involved with self to come out of their comfort zone to aid anyone. I believe that Paul was commanding Timothy to be ready in season and out of season to live Godly (which includes preaching the word), inspite of the opposition that all Christians will face. The first 5 verses of chp. 3 will give you some idea of what some of those oppositions were. Being ready at all times, looking for every opportunity to serve the Lord, to share His Word with others DO NOT INCLUDE SETTLING INTO A COMFORT ZONE. Abraham was uprooted and told to go to Canaan. Moses found out that he was a Hebrew; and if Jesus ever had a comfort zone other than doing the will of the Father, than I am unaware of it. As far as what our response should be, at present the best that I could suggest is prayer, for the worker. The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. The CurtMan |