II Timothy Chapter 4

​​II Timothy Chapter 4

Distributed by:  KJV Bible Studies
Website: www.KjvBibleStudies.net
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Introduction:  In chapter 3 we studied about the characteristics of the ‘last days’ which we found definitely point to the soon coming of Jesus Christ.   We closed the chapter reading that all scripture is given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and is profitable for ”doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” We conclude our study of Timothy this week as Paul gives a charge to young Timothy.

The first eight verses deal with Timothy’s ministry. The latter portion of the chapter contains Paul’s parting comments to Timothy. This is the last of the written word from Paul. Shortly after this epistle was written, Paul was beheaded for the name of Christ. He had fought a good fight, he had finished his course, he had kept the faith.
 
 
I.  Paul’s Charge to Young Timothy

2 Tim 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

The Apostle begins this final chapter. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.”  Paul was instructing Timothy before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living at His appearing and the dead in His kingdom.
 
The word translated as appearing is the Greek word (epifaneia) epiphaneia. The word translated as quick (zaw zao), of course, refers to the living.  Notice that the judgements at which Jesus Christ will sit take place at His appearing and in His kingdom. This is referring to the Judgement Seat of Christ which evidently takes place immediately after the catching up of the saints in the air. See II Corinthians 5:10.
 
2Co 5:10  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 
 
Then, as Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom at His second advent, there are additional judgments of the nations and of resurrected Israel. See Matthew 25:31-46 and Daniel 12:2. He is the Righteous Judge.      
 
Dan 12:2  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 
 
The Apostle begins a sequence of imperatives (i.e., commands) in verse 2 in which he charges Timothy.  The first is, “Preach the Word.” The particular word translated as preach (khrussw kerusso) has the sense to ‘herald,’ to ‘proclaim,’ and to ‘publish openly.’ A primary ministry of a pastor is to preach the Word.
 
In our revival, Bro. Harbin made mention that many churches today have lots of programs and activities, but to do the very will of God, we must Preach the Word.
 
He then adds, “Be instant in season, out of season.”   In other words be ready any day and anytime to tell others about Christ. There are several possible thoughts inherent in the word translated as be instant (efisthmi ephistemi.) In this instance, it has the idea of being ready. The word translated as in season (eukairwv eukairos) has the idea of ‘convenient’ or ‘timely.’
 
The word translated as out of season (akairwov akairos) literally means ‘no time’ and by extension has the idea of ‘not convenient’ or ‘untimely.’ There are seasons when it is easy to preach and there are seasons when it is difficult. In any event, the greater thought is to be ready to preach no matter what.
 
The next imperative is reprove. The word translated (elegcw elegcho) has a spectrum of thought ranging from to ‘convict,’ to ‘refute,’ to ‘correct.’  A preacher of the gospel at times must correct doctrinal or philosophical error. He also needs to preach by the power of the Holy Ghost who brings about conviction of the spiritual need at hand.
 
The Apostle then directed Timothy to rebuke in his preaching. The word so translated (epitimaow epitimao) is not as harsh as the modern English thought intimates. It has the general sense to ‘admonish’ or ‘exhort.’ Biblical preaching will often involve exhorting God’s people to do as they ought to do and to be as they ought to be.
 
Finally, Paul directed Timothy to exhort. The word so translated (parakalew parakaleo), in this context, has the more modern sense to ‘encourage.’ A pastor must be always sensitive to the needs of his people. There are always people who need encouraging. The Word of God overflows with precious promises of encouragement.
 
We are instructed to so encourage our people in preaching. In this regard, the Apostle added further qualification, “with all longsuffering and doctrine.”  A biblical preacher must be patient, forbearing the weakness of his people, and teach them. The word translated as longsuffering (makroyumia makrothumia) essentially refers to having patience in dealing with people.  Again, the word translated as doctrine (didach didache) has the basic sense of ‘teaching.’ Thus, a pastor is enjoined to preach the Word not only to convict, exhort, and encourage his people; but to do so patiently, teaching them what they need to understand.
 
To season one’s preaching with such patience and encouragement will not only enhance a pastor’s ministry, but will prolong it as well. Truth can be harsh and cutting, even biblical truth. Wise is a pastor who tempers his preaching with patience, teaching, and encouragement.
 
We see Paul giving this Charge before God and the Lord Jesus Christ.   Here is another promise that the dead will be judged by Jesus Christ at his appearing and his kingdom.  The saved will be judged at the Judgment-seat of Christ when He comes at His first appearance.

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