Thursday’s Column: Captain’s Blog

2 Timothy 4:2 Paul says, “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

This is a verse that many have heard before, but as usual with scripture I found something I hadn’t seen before. At the end of verse 2 it says, “with great patience.” In context, why would we need great patience when we are preaching the Word? Starting in verse 3 Paul gives a list of why we need patience. 

First, a time will come when the world will not “endure sound doctrine.” Second, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires. And third, they will turn away their ears from the truth and turn to myths. 

As Christians when we are spreading the Gospel it takes patience because the people we meet have turned to their own desires. The message we bring is completely different from what the world has taught them. To truly understand the gospel is to acknowledge sin. Many today have been convinced that who they are is enough. They won’t always like what we are telling them. The world will be angry at Christians for proclaiming the truth. Paul tells us that it’s in these times when we are to be patient. 

But we are patient for a reason! 

2 Timothy 4:8 says, “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.” 

We have a reward for our trials on this earth. We have a motivation to bring up those difficult topics that makes us hated by the world. We’ll receive a crown of righteousness if we fight the good fight! 

Let’s remember the next time we are in study or a conversation with someone that their soul hangs in the balance. How we act may determine their reaction to the Gospel. So stay patient with the lost, because every soul is important to God. Think souls.