And now I bring you this charge before God and Jesus the Anointed, the one destined to judge the living and the dead, at His glorious appearance and His kingdom: 2 go out and preach the word! Go whether it’s an opportune time or not! Reprove, warn, and encourage; but do so with all the patience and instruction needed to fulfill your calling 3 because
a time will come when some will no longer tolerate sound teaching.
Instead, they will live by their own desires; they’ll scratch their
itching ears by surrounding themselves with teachers who approve of their lifestyles and tell them what they want to hear. 4 They will turn away from the real truth you have to offer because they prefer the sound of fables and myths. 5 But you must stay focused and be alert at all times. Tolerate suffering. Accomplish the good work of an evangelist, and complete the ministry to which you have been called. Paul’s message: stay focused, suffer hardships, be confident, do the work. The church has always progressed by faithfulness of her saints. 6 For I am already being poured out, and the last drops of this drink offering are all that remain; it’s almost time for me to leave. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have stayed on course and finished the race, and through it all, I have kept believing. 8 I look forward to what’s in store for me: a crown of righteousness that the Lord—the always right and just judge—will give me that day (but it is not only for me, but for all those who love and long for His appearing). |
Daily Prayer > New Testament >
