The Charge to Discharge

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

2 Timothy 4:1 - 5

 

So much has been written (and is being written) about this passage and it's application to our day.  One can hardly read the text above without thinking Paul had today in mind when he penned it.  But because so much has been devoted to verses 1 - 4, let's look at verse 5.

 

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

 

While the world seeks to do its own thing, the believer (and especially the pastor-teachers) are to:

 

keep your head in all situations - The christian leader is to keep his or her eyes focused on Jesus.. the Author and Perfecter of our faith.

 

endure hardship - Jesus never promised an easy ride... only a worthy goal.

 

do the work of an evangelist - What the world needs n more people who are not afraid to share their relationship with Christ.

 

discharge all the duties of your ministry - Remember... these words are coming from a seasoned veteran... not a new recruit.

 

No matter what your ministry is: father... mother... student... boss... pastor... deacon... able servant....

 

The charge is the same... DISCHARGE ALL THE DUTIES OF YOUR MINISTRY.