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2 Timothy 4:2
ESV - 2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
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In season and out of season means in favorable situations and in unfavorable situations. Favorable situation is when there is no obstacle to preach the word of GOD. Unfavorable situation is when people or situations are against preaching the word. For example, in Paul's life we see him facing many obstacles. In one place Holy Spirit of the LORD reveals Paul that he will face trials if he goes to Jerusalem. But Paul is not afraid of even losing his life but boldly goes to Jerusalem and does the will of GOD Also we know that a missionary will be sent to a place where there is no hope of anyone accepting Christ at all. After many trials, failures, persecutions, struggles, he brings some people to Christ and then a church would be built and the Word of GOD will start growing in that place. So at the time when the missionary had gone to his field it was not a favorable situation(no fruits- or in other words it was not the season to harvest). After some years at that same place people might get saved and accept Christ (or in other word a season to harvest). So what GOD expects from us is that we should not look at adverse situations but should look at GOD who is able to change any and every situation and act according to the will of GOD. We could see prophets and judges like Moses and Gideon looked at situations and were hesitant to the calling of the LORD. But GOD changed all situation and gave them victory. Similarly GOD is expecting us to preach the word in season and out of season. So let us rise and shine for Him. To GOD be all the glory. Amen. Maranatha
The King James Version says " Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." The charge is given to Timothy who indeed is getting guidance from the Apostle Paul as a Pastor of a Church. The letters written to Timothy can also be called the preachers guide book as the instructions for ministers and pastors is well documented in the two books. This particular charge is for young Timothy to simply put do his job. His job is to preach the word of God to not only his Church members as they are eagerly awaiting a word from the LORD (in season) But also to those who may not be ready or willing to receive the word of GOD (out of season). You have heard the expression preaching to the choir, well what that means is you are speaking or preaching to an audience that is in support of all you say. Most choirs fully support their preachers/pastors or they would not be there. A good example of preaching in season. When people welcome the word of GOD and want to learn and grow they will welcome you as a preacher, those are the times when you feel really confident and want to preach forever or as long as that season lasts. Out of season is more like the street preacher or the preacher or evangelist who dares to take on a jail ministry, or preach the word of GOD on the playgrounds of the inner cities. That is out of season where more than likely those around are not so much interested in the word of GOD. But as Paul says to Timothy do your job, its a mission and we should all take on that mission. During the good times and the bad times. When we give ourselves to GOD for his service we can't pick and choose where and when we preach. The HOLY SPIRIT will lead us and we should follow. In Paul's instruction to young Timothy he says reprove, rebuke and exhort. What that means is not sugarcoating the word to increase your congregation size. Tell people their faults, tell them the truth about entering into the Kingdom of GOD. Sometimes it takes a firm hand to make someone understand they are on the wrong path, and our job as was Timothy's is the help them repent from their sins and continue on the right path to salvation. At the same time exhort them meaning persuade them to stay the course and keep the faith holding out and enduring until the end. Let them know there is a brighter day ahead for all those who follow Christ and believe in Him. And yes all this must be done with patience and long suffering, which will be hard in some cases to sell your point when it comes to suffering most people don't want to hear it. But the promise from GOD is always worth the suffering we endure here on earth. Preach in good times and in bad times but remember always to Preach and in preaching it all about Jesus.
I am thinking that "in season" means during the expected period of proclaiming the Scriptures - usually in a formal gathering like in a synagogue during Paul's time while in our day it's during our church services. "Out of season" means every opportunity besides the formal and expected church gathering. This would include in your work, in the marketplace, in schools, and practically everywhere you are and there will be hearers. Of course you do it on a conversational manner with people and not as formal as in a pulpit. Preaching out of season may be in a form of teaching, counselling, or simply giving your opinion about a current issue based on biblical principles. And so the apostle Paul tells us to be ready in either season of opportunity being convinced that God's Word is the powerful means of transforming lives. God bless everyone!
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