In Season and Out (2 Timothy 4)
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2
Be ready
I was never a girl scout. When I read the first verse of 2 Timothy 4, I think of the Boy Scout motto “Be prepared.” Be ready in season and out. I am great at being ready for events, seasons, and trials that I see coming. It is that out-of-season preparedness that trips me up.
Dark times in our lives are usually “out-of-season” moments for us. We don’t anticipate them. We don’t realize they will last as long as they do. We are not ready to hold tight to our faith and confidence or trust in God through the difficulties. Most of us certainly do not think to be ready to share the gospel while we are enduring times of extreme pain.
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:1-5
Itchy Ears
We might not want to serve others and share the gospel when we are in dark times, but I have seen this year that that is something that penetrates itchy ears. The ears of our culture search for messages that make them feel good about themselves and affirm their own worldview. The Bible tells us that we should die to self (put to death the desire for our own comfort).
In the past few months, my mind keeps coming back around to a verse in Matthew 20:28 (also Mark 10:45):
“For even the Son of Man [Jesus] came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Following Jesus’ example
Jesus’ example of how we are supposed to live is that we are not here on earth to be served, comfortable, fat, and spoiled. We are to pour our lives out in service to others. Ouch! Earlier this year, I was feeling sorry for myself. I was rehearsing a narrative in my mind that I “had no time for myself” and “was always doing stuff for other people instead of my stuff”. I would sigh and stomp inwardly (and sometimes outwardly) as I felt overwhelmed and overworked.
The Holy Spirit used Matthew 20: 28 to convict me of my attitude. Yes, my schedule probably needed (and still needs) some adjustments to allow for rest, but the “stuff” I “had” to do for others – those were the opportunities in my life to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. They were an invitation to be more like Him.
“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Poured out
Here at the end of his life, Paul describes being “poured out as a drink offering”. That doesn’t sound comfortable. He has “fought the fight” and “finished the race” – these are exhausting and difficult experiences. He has “kept the faith” through incredibly dark times of storm, shipwreck, imprisonment, and service to others.
“Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.
22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.” 2 Timothy 4:9-22
Feeling all alone in the darkness
He experienced times of loneliness when “all deserted” him (2 Timothy 4:16)
“But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” 2 Timothy 4: 17-18
When we are willing to keep sharing Him in the middle of the darkness, God strengthens us and stands with us. We fulfill our purpose in the midst of our pain. In fact, our pain gives us a way to reach those who are also in the dark times. Their ears are opened and a bridge is built from our pain to theirs. We can extend the light of Jesus to illuminate the inky darkness that is swallowing those around us.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
We are not alone. He promises to be with us wherever we go. In season and out. His Word encourages and comforts, gives us strength and corrects our incorrect thought patterns. It shines a light in every season of our lives.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105
2 Timothy 4 Action Step:
Let’s do some serious introspection today:
- Is there a narrative I have been rehearsing in my mind during this season of my life that is not in line with what God’s Word says?
- What practical ways can I pour out my life (time, abilities, hospitality, strength, and resources) to share the gospel with others this week?
- Am I staying in God’s Word and letting it light my path on a daily basis during this dark season?
Now if one of those questions really struck a chord with you, what is one practical step you can take TODAY to change into someone who is ready no matter what season of life you are in? Let’s take action today!
Share your thoughts in the comments on this post or under the 2 Timothy 4 post at www.facebook.com/devoinaction or tag me @devoinaction on Instagram – I’d love to hear what you think and see pics of your Bible journaling!
2 Timothy 4 Prayer:
Dear God, thank You that Your Word convicts and corrects us. Thank You that You love us too much to leave us the way we are. You are always with us and never leave us. Help us to see Your light in our dark times. Give us courage to share the gospel even in the middle of our pain. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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