[Pastor Ralph]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

[iam4-1god]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

These verses tell me that I need to know what I am talking about whenever I tell someone or answer a question about Jesus, or any subject in the Bible. Study to show thyself approved-study the Word and know what you are talking about. We don't want God to look like a liar, or someone who doesn't know what He is doing! What we do and say reflects on Him, so we better know for sure!

[Elwood C O'Dell]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2?

I feel that Paul might have felt a deep urgency in his breast regarding Christ’s soon return and wanted to remind his fellow workers of the necessity of being sure others were prepared for the same.

Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient?

He is urging them to be ready to share whenever the opportunity arises. Sometimes it is convenient and sometime the situations are not so. But that should not make a difference as to whether or not one is ready to share the gospel.

What problem is Paul trying to overcome here?

I feel he is perhaps trying to overcome apathy to a certain extent. For some reason people are willing to speak up for Christ when all the situations seem to fit but they back away when it is not as convenient.

How do these verses speak to you in particular?

They have challenged me to examine my life and make sure that I am ready to share Jesus no matter what, when, or where. When the opportunity arises I want to be ready to lift Him up so that others might know Him.

[JanMary]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2?
Paul had addressed Timothy's spirit of timidity and fear earlier. Now there was conflict and tension in the church from the false teachers, and Paul was admonishing Timothy to stand firm and remember that the main thing is to preach and teach the Word of God faithfully, no matter what is going on.

Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient?
Because it's the most important thing..the Word awakens the unsaved and disciples the believer. There will always be attempts by Satan through infiltrators to stop the preaching of the Word and to try to distort it's truth.

What problem is Paul trying to overcome here?
It sounds as if Paul thought Timothy was flagging and becoming wishy-washy and discouraged from the attacks within the church as well as from without. He was exhorting a wavering pastor to STAND! I believe Paul knew his own time was short and that it was imperative for a firm foundation of scripture to be laid before the "wolves" got in to try to tear down Timothy's work, that of other Pastors, as well as his own.

How do these verses speak to you in particular?
These speak to me of urgency...I sense the same urgency Paul spoke of, as I see prophecy being fulfilled nearly every day and sense that we are in the last days. I see people all around me who are lost and not even seeking truth...YET....but I believe as more pressure comes, they will. My desire is to always be ready to share Christ. A Pastor taught us how to share our testimony in 2 or 3 min. so it can be given quickly, such as on an elevator ride, if the occassion arises. ( A brief summary of my condition before I met the Lord, how I received Him {which gives the plan of salvation, including scripture} and how He has changed my life.) I've discovered that it's also an effective way to share when cult members knock on my door.

I sat at a conference by a woman who had come out of a cult and received Christ, because she said over the course of time, a number of Christians shared their testimony with her when she knocked on their doors. She said "cult members don't have a testimony....only a driving need to try to do enough to hopefully EARN salvation. In time, she realized she was lost and would never gain salvation in this cult, and from the testimonies and scripture shared (never argued), she received Christ. The Lord then instructed her to go to each door of those who had not slammed the door in her face, and to thank them for taking the time to share with her. It works!

[charisbarak]

to show how very important the Truth is

we don't know what is coming--so better to be prepared for anything

the importance of the Truth being taught and caught

never to lose the excitement of digging into the word and staying teachable

[masika]

TheyQ3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?
The apostle solemnly charges Timothy to be diligent, though many will not bear sound doctrine. People will turn away from the truth, they will grow weary of the plain gospel of Christ, they will be greedy of fables, and take pleasure in them. People do so when they will not endure that preaching which is searching, plain, and to the purpose. Those who love souls must be ever watchful, must venture and bear all the painful effects of their faithfulness, and take all opportunities of making known the pure gospel.

We should always be ready to serve God in any situation, whether or not it is convenient. We should be sensitive to the opportunities God gives us.

[hanks]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2?
Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient?
What problem is Paul trying to overcome here?
How do these verses speak to you in particular?
I think Paul is trying to emphasize the urgency of preaching the Word. Time is running out and there are many to be saved; one should make use of every opportunity.

[Snaps]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2?

It would seem that Timothy had a choice to make. Either he had to face up to the disappointments of ministry and continue without any compromise, or fall into preaching a popular gospel that was not the whole truth. This, of course, Paul would never accept, and neither will the Lord in the final judgement. So Paul has to use strong language. It is as if he were correcting Timothy in the most positive terms imaginable, and commissioning him once again to preach unmitigated truth.

Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient?

You just never know what is around the corner, but Timothy had always to be ready for it, as Paul had been, through thick and thin, earthquake and shipwreck, thinking nothing of suffering for Christ, but only of Christ Himself, and the task to which he was appointed.


What problem is Paul trying to overcome here?

We are social creatures, and that by deliberate design. Therefore we are greatly affected by the reactions of our fellow man. However, fellow man is fallen, and our job is to help renew him to his full potential in Christ, not to tumble over with him. We are to use our sociability to regenerate society, not to join it. Paul is asserting this very strongly in dealing with Timothy's disappointment and distress, calling him again to the task of consistency and truth in his ministry, although it will cost him. He is trying to teach him again to grasp the vision by the horns and be unrelenting in his teaching and preaching so that he will rejoice in his prize when Christ returns in all His glory to judge all things.

How do these verses speak to you in particular?

To me the church has gone soft in many areas, and these scriptures say to me that when I see shortfall I must call out the troops to recognise it and defeat it. We Christians in the west have to re-establish what it means to live in Christian community, live boldly in righteousness and disempower the subtle ways of the world that compromise our faith. For example, many Christians do business on the Lord's day and think nothing of it (I'm not talking about hospitals etc, but about shops etc). My 'Christian" real estate agent set up inspections on Sunday in spite of the fact that I had asked him not to do it. We need to stand up for the Lord's day. Jesus always said the law would never pass away, that he came not to undo the law but to fulfil it. He aggressively threw over the money changers in the temple. If someone did that today there'd be a mighty kerfuffle!. Of course there will be reaction, but we are there to withstand persecution, not to kowtow to it. That is only one example. Persecution or no persecution, the Lord is coming again and we need to be ready to meet Him, having brooked no compromise in the practice of our faith.

[Stan]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

4:1 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: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage -- with great patience and careful instruction.

I think that there might have been a little fear showing in Timothy due to the false teachers following Paul and distorting the word. Hewas trying to keep Timothy focused on the goal of spreading the Good News and not letting people interfer with that mission. He wanted Timothy ready at all times because he could never be sure when someone would need to hear the truth and his heart had to be ready when ever that time came. He is trying to over come the false teaching that was following him and since Timothy stayed behind to start the church it was in his hand to refute the false teacher. We must always be ready to teach, instruct, correct, and rebuke when necessary we are to carry the Word of God into all corners of the earth and you must know how before you can lead.

[kenny]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

I think that that Paul is saying that there is never a better time than right now, so we should make sure that we are prepared. We need to be ready at all times to teach, answer and correct others in the way of the Lord. Remembering always that tomorrow might be too late. so be ready.

It is for the above reasons that we should be constantly praying and studying the scriptures that if the occasion arises we will be ready to fulfil the Lords work.

I would like to share the following E Mail that I got and hope everyone finds it as encouraging as I did
Influence is "the act or power of producing an effect without any apparent exertion. " It's not control; it's affect.
It's what happens to people just for being around you.
As a Believer, it is absolutely your job to be influential. We have to use so much wisdom when we speak to people on the streets especially to our families. What we say to them whether good or bad will influence their whole life. Colossians 4:5-6 says “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each other."
Dealing with unsaved friends and relatives can be an uncomfortable subject for Believers. Many would rather avoid family gatherings because they don't want to be around profanity or alcohol. They look at their unsaved family members and friends and think, "They're going to hell in a hand basket; I had better stay away from them." However, that's not the attitude we should have concerning people who are unsaved. We have been called to influence people and win souls for the Kingdom of God; and that will only happen when we care, and love people enough to make contact with them. When Jesus saved you, He had someone else in mind as well. Although you enjoy the wonderful benefits of salvation, it's not just for you; it's for someone else also. Much like Abraham, you were chosen by God to influence the lives of those around you (Genesis 12:1-3).
Father, thank You for the influence You are in my life. Help us to only be positive to the outsiders and to always love and care for others. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
Be blessed and remember you are blessed to be a blessing to those out there.

[Soomee]

Paul had spent more than a couple of years in Ephesus and this was almost one of his final letters. I do not think that he lived that long after writing 2 Timothy and Titus. So he must have felt that urgency to write the important matters that matter most. He must have known in his heart that once he leave Ephesus the false teachers will infiltrate the church in Ephesus and confuse the Christians with all their myths and genealogy. To save the church from destruction he felt the need to warn Timothy on those matters. That is why he says in another place "watchout for wolves". These false teachers could not enter the church when Paul was there and once he is gone he felt that there should be another strong person there who could stand firm for the truth. If the elder of the church is not fully equipped with truth then anyone can take the church in a wrong direction compromising the truth with worldly wisdom. Therefore any member of the God's Church should be ever ready to be a witness.

[spazzo47]

THroughout this letter I get the feeling that he thinks Timothy's been giving into some feelings of being overwhelmed and jsut hasn't been as on fire as Paul would like. I think I see Timothy as being kind of beaten down by his church. So when paul is saying "Go out a preach" he's saying, "get off your butt and do more than just go through the motions. Take every opening you get." I see Paul as a kind of coach to Timothy in this letter. He's spent the frist 3 chapters trying to inspire, now he's saying here's what you have to do, so get it done.

Today I was talking to a co-worker who I don't usually get along with. His mother was recently diagnosed with cancer and he's obviously upset about it. We had a long discussion about his shock (he's never heard of cancer in his family), my family's history of cancer, how we live with the constant threat of it, and friend's cancer stories. I missed an opportunity to talk about the peace of knowing God, and it might come down to this not being ready. But at the same time, I think I managed to minister to him a little by spending that time talking and listening, instead of sticking my nose in the book that I was trying to read for a class. My feeling through the entire exchange was that talking with him was the more important thing. It was an inconvenient time, but I feel like I was ready for it.

[McCollum]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

Paul command to Timothy by calling on God and Jesus Christ to be witnesses to it. He reminds Timothy that Jesus will return in judgement. Paul's charge to Timothy is to preach the word. Preaching God's truth. Be ready to take a stand, perseverance and courage be alert at all times. To my responsibilites, even when it is inconvenient. Longsuffering true Spiritual growth occures over a period of time, through consistent teaching and application of God's Word.

[sahala p.s.]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2 because he wants that the charge that he gives to Timothy is carried out all diligence because God and Christ Jesus are the witnesses and sanctions to that charge, and Timothy has to give account to Christ on his second coming day for that charge

He has to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient because the opportunity to declare God’s word will not always exist or come again

The problem that Paul is trying to overcome here is that of not preaching the Word or declaring the truth because of fear of being opposed or not received or persecuted

These verses speak to me in particular that I have to speak of God’s word or the truth in any opportunity God give whether it is convenient or not

[Jen]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

It is very easy to become discouraged in the Christian walk. There is much adversity and people don't seem to care. But we walk the walk for God and for the Lamb. The best of people need to be reminded of the importance of this duty to preach His Word. To be faithful in adversity, to advance in adversity for our Lord's glory.
I have a lot of work to do in this and in all areas of the Christian walk. We are to do what God asks and leave the consequences to Him.

I just listened to a sermon by George Gauthier called The Worthiness of the Worthless. For anyone who needs encouragement this is a good reminder of our responsibilities and God's grace in us.

Lord, I pray for each person on this forum. That you would speak the necessary words to each individual in the way that they need since you are intimately concerned with each of us and our tendencies and of those around us. Protect our hearts from the bitter emotional stings and the pain in our physical bodies as we remain faithful in your Word. May our lives give you glory through your grace in us.
Amen

God Bless!
Jen
Numbers6:24-26

[Jen]

Oops! It's George Gardiner not Gauthier

God Bless!
Jen
Numbers 6: 24-26

[Patriciaa]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

It is so easy to become tired and discouraged in ministry and Paul feels this may be happening to Timothy. We all need to pray and ask God to refresh our minds and bodies when we become tired and discouraged. We must share the gospel at all times even when it is not convenient for our schedule. This may be the time when we may reach someone's heart. Paul is trying to help Timothy understand that as Christians we need to stand firm as we lovingly share the Word. We must share truth and not just what is popular at the time. These verses speak to me especially the message to stay positive and learn to refresh body and mind with God's help.

[servant for Christ]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

Paul had to resort to the command to remind Timothy that he would have to answer to God for the things that was intrusted to him. In season, out of season- he could not let any opportunity slip by about preaching the gospel, he could not put it off thinking it wasn't the right time. He had to convict them of their sins so they would turn to God. The problem Paul is trying to overcome is the errors and heresies that had crepted into the church. It speaks to me in a way that I have to know God's word, get God's word out which is the truth, and help people see the truth.

[nerraw20]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2? Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient? What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?

It's easy to get off message and drift from the word. We have to be committed to serving any time the opportunity presents itself. Paul wantss to keep the reason we gather to be edifying in Christ. It seems that we shoud be careful to be diligent not to become just a social outlet as a church, but to be building each other up in Christ.

[Delivered]

Q3. (2 Timothy 4:1-2) Why do you think Paul has to resort to the command in verses 1-2 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; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine?
It is God’s command, the word must go forth, and there is coming a day, when all people will give an account for what they have done with Christ.

Why does he have to talk about being ready when it's inconvenient and when it is convenient?
We, as well as Timothy, must always be ready, prepared, to talk of the wonders of God and of Christ. Being a believer is not a 9 to 5 job.

What problem is Paul trying to overcome here? How do these verses speak to you in particular?
The verses speak to my heart of the great importance there is in being a follower of Christ. The gift of everlasting life I received comes with great responsibilities on my behalf. Sometimes the church has become lax in explaining the importance of the believer to be a light to the World, we should trim our wicks, and have oil ready, so our light will never go out. Be ready when it’s inconvenient and when it is convenient.