Tuesday – 2nd Timothy 4 - Preach the Word; Fight a Good Fight

 

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REACHING may be generally acceptable. But preaching the Word? That is most certainly not always appreciated (vs. 2-4 & 1^st Thessalonians 5:20). There is a difference. Preaching is simply a form of communication. The form is not threatening to the devil. But, the Word of God is a threat to all evil. Satan and all who follow him despise the truth. Satan is the father of lies. He fights vehemently against the proclamation of God's truth. He surely doesn't mind passionate preachers who are preaching their own agenda (2^nd Corinthians 4:5). But, a clear presentation of divine revelation is a mortal threat to that fierce old fiend. So, Paul challenged Timothy to "Preach the Word!" When it's convenient, and when it isn't – the Bible must be preached. When it is appreciated and when it is resisted, it still must be preached. When the preacher feels good about it and when he doesn't, the truth must still be preached (2^nd Timothy 4:2). The good with the bad; comfort and reprimand; patiently, yet consistently – the truth of the Scriptures must be preached (1^st Corinthians 1:21).