Preach the Word (Part 4)

The Attitude (With all longsuffering and doctrine)

Longsuffering – As the Christian teaches others there is a bit of patience that is shown in the process. “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Sometimes Christians want individuals to, “Get right and get right now!” While a love of the lost and a long desire for other to be in a right relationship with God is very important, it does not give allowance for the Christian to push, push, push, push, push, and push. That individual will likely have no success in working with others. Show patience in your work.

Doctrine – Doctrine, that is “instruction,” is just as important as patience. How can a man know what is right if he does not know what is wrong? If a man were in the ocean drowning but did not know he was drowning, what would occur? He would die. If a man, who is lost in sin, sits in services every Sunday morning, evening, and Wednesday night does not know that he is lost, what will happen? He will die in his sins. Christians, not just preachers, are to teach according to the doctrine of Christ. It is that doctrine which is able to save the soul (Romans 1:16).

That being said, it is one thing to say something and another thing to do it. Have you been spreading the message of the gospel of Christ? Not “another gospel” that carries Christ’s name but not His divine stamp of approval (Gal. 1:6-9). Have you been spreading the message of the gospel as God intended it to be spread? If not, there is a grave importance that all Christians “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

 WORKS CITED

Barnes, Albert. “2. Tim. 4:2” Notes on the Bible. e-Sword, version 7.8.3.

Strong, James. “G2784.” Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries. e-Sword, version 7.8.3.