“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (2Tim 4:2).
Back in the day, local TV stations would go off the air over night. Yes, little ones, it’s true. Sometime in the early morning hours after the late late movie, an announcer would thank you for watching and end the broadcast day with the playing of our National Anthem. No overnight reruns of “Full House.” No infomercials about flipping houses or the Ab Buster 3000. Just a test pattern until dawn.
That’s not the case these days. Channels and cable networks are always on. They’re constantly cranking out the programs. Relentlessly broadcasting. They provide different kinds of shows for the different parts of the day for different kinds of viewers. They’re always transmitting. Relentlessly broadcasting.
Paul Didn’t Have Cable
While Paul didn’t have cable, satellite, or even Netflix, he was all in on this idea of the non-stop transmission of info. In a letter to a young preacher in Ephesus, the apostle tells Timothy, “Preach the word; be readying in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (v2). When it comes to telling folks about God’s grace, keep it coming.
Let’s fill in a little bit of the back story behind what we’re reading. The man formerly known as Saul hasn’t stopped spreading the message of Jesus ever since the day the resurrected Christ supernaturally mugged him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-5).
One day he’s a Pharisee with the life goal of wiping Jesus’ followers from the face of the earth. After the Lord literally knocks him off the dude from Tarsus off his high horse, he becomes His handpicked spokesman to non-Jews around the world. In case you’re keeping score at home, going from assassin to apostle is kind of a big deal.
This radical new assignment sends Paul all around the Mediterranean Rim telling folks about God’s incredible invitation into His kingdom through Jesus. While that’s great news to many, it’s a BIG problem to just about everybody with a position of power in the religious establishment. As a result, the apostle personally experiences many local prison facilities over the course of this new career. But it’s worth it. People everywhere need to hear the Gospel. That’s why he’s a relentless broadcaster.
A Letter from Behind Bars
As Paul writes Pastor Tim, he’s behind bars once again (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9). But this time is different. This time he’s on Death Row (2Tim 4:6-7). While the apostle hopes to see his protege one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21), his real reason in writing is to make sure the Good News keeps going (2Tim 2:1-4:5). There can be no interruption of service. This is no time for test patterns. There’s too much at stake.
This verse here in chapter four may well be Paul’s big point to the young preacher. The apostle tells Tim what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Tell people about Jesus. When it’s convenient. When it’s not. Challenge those who need challenging. Warn those who need warning. Urge those who need urging. When it doubt, A.B.C. Always. Broadcast. Christ.
God’s Spokesperson
Right out of the gate, Paul instructs him to “preach the word” (v2). If you grew up in church like me, the word “preach” conjures up images of boring, long-winded sermons that drone on forever and have little impact on real life. Preach = tedious, monotonous, lifeless, and colorless. Wake me when it’s over.
But the word we translate as “preach” from the original Greek language here is anything but mundane and mind-numbing. Κηρυσσω/kerusso means to announce formally and officially, publicly proclaim, tell everyone everywhere, make widely known, or broadcast. Back in the ancient world, this was the job description of a herald or official spokesperson of the king. So to “preach” is to speak with all the weight and authority of the person in charge.
In this case, Tim has the full backing of the one and only King of Kings. So does each follower of Jesus. Our Savior has fully authorized each believer to speak on His behalf. Just as the FCC gives a TV station a license to transmit over the public airwaves, Christ gives us His personal permission to broadcast the Good News. He licenses us to relentlessly broadcast.
Relentless Broadcasters in the Bible
Check out just a few times we see New Testament writers using the word “preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso)” when folks make official announcements. John the Dunker speaks on behalf of about the coming Messiah out in the desert (Mt 3:1; Mk 1:4, 7, 14; Lk 3:3). The Lord’s official biographers often refer to Jesus telling everyone everywhere about the love and forgiveness found only in God’s kingdom (Mt 4:17, 23; 9:35; 11:1; Mk 1:39; Lk 4:44; 8:1).
Christ said publicly proclaiming the Gospel was the main reason He came (Mk 1:38; 4:18-19). Our Savior tells His followers to make this Good News world famous (Mt 10:7, 27; 24:14; 26:13; Mk 3:14; 5:20; 6:12; 13:10; 16:15, 20; Lk 9:2; 12:3; 24:47; Acts 10:42). After Christ blindsides Saul of Tarsus outside of Damascus, the newest apostle immediately begins broadcasting that the resurrected Jesus is indeed the one and only Son of God (Acts 9:20).
Are Words REALLY Necessary?
It’s right about now that somebody is probably mumbling or grumbling about the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words when necessary.” We’ve attributed that little ditty to St. Francis of Assisi.
There’s just a couple of problems with this quote. First, while it’s absolutely critical that our actions line up with what we say, words ARE necessary. If my deeds don’t match my words, I’m indeed a hypocrite. But if we truly want people to hear about Jesus, we have to tell people that He’s the reason we do what we do.
Second, historians can find zero evidence that St. Francis said it. For Pete’s sake, if someone has said it in my small group or or I’ve read on the interweb, it HAS to be true, right? Right?!? They’ve looked everywhere in his writings. I hate to break this to you, but none of St. Frank’s followers or biographers attribute him ever saying anything close to this quote. As a matter of fact, the famous monk was known to preach (OUT LOUD!) in five villages in one day. He clearly believed words are incredibly necessary.
Paul makes it clear that transmitting the Good News is inherently verbal. “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso)? And how are they to preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) unless they are sent? (Rom 10:14-15). Words ARE necessary. Unclick your mute button and crank up the volume.
Our Programming Lineup
Now with the transmitter humming at full power, what are we to put on the air? What sort of programming should be part of our daily lineup? In a word, it’s “the word” (v2). Don’t overcomplicate it. Jesus’ best friend was the Apostle John. One of his favorite nicknames for the Son of God is “the Word” (Jn 1:1, 1:14). We’re to be the Jesus Channel. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time.
The Good News is the one and only message we see throughout the NT. Jesus tours Galilee “proclaiming (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) the Gospel” (Mt 4:23; Mk 1:14). When describing God’s great end game, Christ tells His crew that “this Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) throughout the whole world” (Mt 24:14; similarly in Mk 13:14).
After walking out of the graveyard and just before heading home to heaven, our Savior made it clear what we’re to do until He comes back. “Go into all the world and proclaim (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15). That’s why Paul tells the Corinthians, “We preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) Christ crucified” (1Cor 1:23) as well as “proclaimed (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) as raised from the dead” (1Cor 15:12).
What Exactly Is the Gospel?
We’re to relentlessly broadcast Jesus. We’re to publicly announce who He is and what He’s done on our behalf. Need a recap? Okey doke. Christ lived the perfect life of obedience to God’s commands that we’ve failed to live. He died the substitutionary death on the cross that we should have died. He rose to spectacular resurrection life that we don’t deserve. He does for us what we could never dream of doing for ourselves.
That’s the word we broadcast. Not the Bible Code. Not crazy theories about blood moons and the end times. Not wacky speculation about whether Jesus was married. Not to do better and try harder to please God. Not treating God like some cosmic Coke machine that dishes out blessings on demand. “Preach the word.” Broadcast Jesus.
God’s Promise and Pirate Radio
This is a great reminder about the collection of ancient documents we call the Bible. God wrote a book. It’s all about Jesus. It’s NOT about us. But it is FOR us. Jesus is the Hero of the entire story. At the very beginning, God promises Adam and Eve He would send a Savior to fix the mess they’ve made (Gen 3:15).
He continues making similar guarantees to folks like Abraham, Moses, and David. God never stops loving us despite our rebellion against His kingdom. Eventually the Son of God leaves the comforts of the heavenly palace and come to our rescue and die for our sin. Before returning to His Father, Jesus promises the ultimate encore when He will return to literally bring Heaven to Earth.
That’s “the word” (v2) we transmit. That’s the focus of our programming. That’s the basis of our broadcast. We’re like Pirate Radio, sending out a rebel signal of hope to a lost and dying world. We’re to be the Jesus Channel. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His message.
Broadcasting with Urgency
Paul gives Tim specific instructions on when to transmit the Good News. “Be ready in season and out of season” (v2). “Be ready” is actually the Greek verb that literally means “cause to stand” (Gr. -ιστημι/-istemi) “on” or “over” (Gr. εφι-/ephi-). It’s standing in particular place in order to do something suddenly or quickly. In other words, we’re to be all over it!
There’s an urgency just about every time we see this word in the NT. There was the time the religious police turn on the blue lights and rapidly respond to a call about Jesus teaching folks at the temple. They hightailed it over and “came up (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi)” to Him (Lk 20:1). Dr. Luke uses it when describing the elders’ and scribes’ ambush of Stephen when “they came upon (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) him and seized him” (Acts 6:12).
After the Gospel turns the city of Thessalonica upside down and riots break out, a mob furiously “attacked (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) the house of Jason” looking for the followers of Jesus (Acts 17:5). The Roman commander describes to the governor how an angry Jewish crowd turned on Paul and he “was about to be killed by them when I came upon them (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) and rescued him” (Acts 23:27).
Paul wants us to be on hot standby and ready to tell folks about Jesus. Let’s not get caught off guard. Broadcasters warn people who are in the studio that every mic is always hot, every red light on every camera is always on. In the same way, disciples of the resurrected Rabbi from Galilee must not get caught off guard. Microphones are hot. Cameras are on. People are watching and listening. Are we urgently broadcasting His message of grace? Remember, the Good News is ALWAYS breaking news!
Preseason, Regular Season, Postseason, Offseason
The apostle instructs Tim that we’re to broadcast the Gospel not just urgently but constantly. That’s what he means when he says to tell folks about Jesus “in season and out of season” (v2). Every sport has a preseason, regular season, postseason, and offseason. TV shows premiere new episodes in the fall season before cueing up the reruns. When it comes to broadcasting the grace of Christ, there’s always a reason no matter the season.
Paul’s having a little fun with words here in the original language. He begins with “in season” (Gr. ευκαιρως/eukairos), which literally means “good (Gr. ευ-/eu-) timing (Gr. -καιρως/-kairos).” This is when it’s convenient, when the time is right, when the opportunity strikes, or when all conditions are perfect. These are those moments when God sets it on a tee for you. These are those rare but wonderful times when someone asks you a sincere question about your faith.
Similarly, “out of season” (Gr. ακαιρως/akairos) literally means “no (Gr. α-/a-) timing (Gr. -καιρως/-kairos).” You guessed it. This describes an inopportune time, an inconvenient moment, or unfavorable time. Instead of shutting down when the moment doesn’t seem right, the apostle says that’s just when we’re to lean in.
One important point about these “out of season” (v2) moments. We must be discerning and know our audience. That’s exactly what Paul did that day in Athens up on Mars Hill. He had done his research on what the residents believed. He found an open door when he learned about an “unknown god” and walked right through it (Acts 17:22-27). The message doesn’t change but our methods always do. So whether it’s preseason, regular season, postseason, or offseason, it’s always Jesus season.
A Three-Point Plan
The apostle gives Tim a three-point plan when it comes to the “how” of preaching the Gospel: “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (v2). His intent here is pretty simple. First, use overwhelming proof in God’s Word to show God’s people what they’ve done wrong. Second, warn them against potential dangers and the landmines of life. Third, cheer them on in the right direction. It’s the idea of afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.
Once again, Paul warns us against one-size-fits-all style of broadcasting. Sure, the core of the transmission is still and should always be Jesus. But like a TV station provides programming for its audience depending on the time of day, we should adjust our preaching according to who’s in the room. While the meat of the message is always God’s grace, we should use a very different approach when it comes to preschoolers, unbelievers, and mature followers of Jesus.
When you see the need to “reprove” (v2), use the power of Scripture to reveal blind spots. When folks need “rebuke” (v2), it’s time to post a warning about the cost that comes from the sin on the far side of the sign. And there are those times people need you to “exhort” (v2) them. When they’re living lives of love toward God and others, make sure to give them an “attaboy.” Or as it reads in the Message, “Challenge, warn, and urge your people” (v2 The Message).
Under Pressure in the Pocket
The apostle wraps up his broadcasting instructions by telling Tim to do it “with complete patience and teaching” (v2). “Patience” is the Greek word μακροθυμια/makrothumia, which literally means “long” (Gr. μακρο-/makro-) “heating” (Gr. -θυμια/-thumia). It’s keeping your cool under constant pressure. Preach the Gospel like a veteran QB who never freaks out when facing a wicked pass rush.
Don’t get distracted from what God has called you to do. And that’s “teaching (Gr. διδαχη/didache)” (v2). This is staying on message and remaining faithful to the core of Good News of our Savior. Again, methods will always change. The message never does. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His message. It’s the Jesus Channel.
Relentlessly Broadcasting Jesus
While there’s no question these commands are given from one preacher to another, every follower of Christ should be paying attention. Jesus calls every one of trusts in Him to get the word out (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8). Once again, I love how the Message drives it home. “So proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple” (v2 The Message).
Never turn off the transmitter. Never put up a test pattern. Send it out loud and proud. Let’s adjust our programming to fit our audience. But our core message never changes. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His Good News. It’s the Jesus Channel.
Back in the day, local TV stations would go off the air over night. Yes, little ones, it’s true. Sometime in the early morning hours after the late late movie, an announcer would thank you for watching and end the broadcast day with the playing of our National Anthem. No overnight reruns of “Full House.” No infomercials about flipping houses or the Ab Buster 3000. Just a test pattern until dawn.
That’s not the case these days. Channels and cable networks are always on. They’re constantly cranking out the programs. Relentlessly broadcasting. They provide different kinds of shows for the different parts of the day for different kinds of viewers. They’re always transmitting. Relentlessly broadcasting.
Paul Didn’t Have Cable
While Paul didn’t have cable, satellite, or even Netflix, he was all in on this idea of the non-stop transmission of info. In a letter to a young preacher in Ephesus, the apostle tells Timothy, “Preach the word; be readying in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching” (v2). When it comes to telling folks about God’s grace, keep it coming.
Let’s fill in a little bit of the back story behind what we’re reading. The man formerly known as Saul hasn’t stopped spreading the message of Jesus ever since the day the resurrected Christ supernaturally mugged him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-5).
One day he’s a Pharisee with the life goal of wiping Jesus’ followers from the face of the earth. After the Lord literally knocks him off the dude from Tarsus off his high horse, he becomes His handpicked spokesman to non-Jews around the world. In case you’re keeping score at home, going from assassin to apostle is kind of a big deal.
This radical new assignment sends Paul all around the Mediterranean Rim telling folks about God’s incredible invitation into His kingdom through Jesus. While that’s great news to many, it’s a BIG problem to just about everybody with a position of power in the religious establishment. As a result, the apostle personally experiences many local prison facilities over the course of this new career. But it’s worth it. People everywhere need to hear the Gospel. That’s why he’s a relentless broadcaster.
A Letter from Behind Bars
As Paul writes Pastor Tim, he’s behind bars once again (2Tim 1:9, 16; 2:9). But this time is different. This time he’s on Death Row (2Tim 4:6-7). While the apostle hopes to see his protege one last time (2Tim 4:9, 21), his real reason in writing is to make sure the Good News keeps going (2Tim 2:1-4:5). There can be no interruption of service. This is no time for test patterns. There’s too much at stake.
This verse here in chapter four may well be Paul’s big point to the young preacher. The apostle tells Tim what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Tell people about Jesus. When it’s convenient. When it’s not. Challenge those who need challenging. Warn those who need warning. Urge those who need urging. When it doubt, A.B.C. Always. Broadcast. Christ.
God’s Spokesperson
Right out of the gate, Paul instructs him to “preach the word” (v2). If you grew up in church like me, the word “preach” conjures up images of boring, long-winded sermons that drone on forever and have little impact on real life. Preach = tedious, monotonous, lifeless, and colorless. Wake me when it’s over.
But the word we translate as “preach” from the original Greek language here is anything but mundane and mind-numbing. Κηρυσσω/kerusso means to announce formally and officially, publicly proclaim, tell everyone everywhere, make widely known, or broadcast. Back in the ancient world, this was the job description of a herald or official spokesperson of the king. So to “preach” is to speak with all the weight and authority of the person in charge.
In this case, Tim has the full backing of the one and only King of Kings. So does each follower of Jesus. Our Savior has fully authorized each believer to speak on His behalf. Just as the FCC gives a TV station a license to transmit over the public airwaves, Christ gives us His personal permission to broadcast the Good News. He licenses us to relentlessly broadcast.
Relentless Broadcasters in the Bible
Check out just a few times we see New Testament writers using the word “preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso)” when folks make official announcements. John the Dunker speaks on behalf of about the coming Messiah out in the desert (Mt 3:1; Mk 1:4, 7, 14; Lk 3:3). The Lord’s official biographers often refer to Jesus telling everyone everywhere about the love and forgiveness found only in God’s kingdom (Mt 4:17, 23; 9:35; 11:1; Mk 1:39; Lk 4:44; 8:1).
Christ said publicly proclaiming the Gospel was the main reason He came (Mk 1:38; 4:18-19). Our Savior tells His followers to make this Good News world famous (Mt 10:7, 27; 24:14; 26:13; Mk 3:14; 5:20; 6:12; 13:10; 16:15, 20; Lk 9:2; 12:3; 24:47; Acts 10:42). After Christ blindsides Saul of Tarsus outside of Damascus, the newest apostle immediately begins broadcasting that the resurrected Jesus is indeed the one and only Son of God (Acts 9:20).
Are Words REALLY Necessary?
It’s right about now that somebody is probably mumbling or grumbling about the quote, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words when necessary.” We’ve attributed that little ditty to St. Francis of Assisi.
There’s just a couple of problems with this quote. First, while it’s absolutely critical that our actions line up with what we say, words ARE necessary. If my deeds don’t match my words, I’m indeed a hypocrite. But if we truly want people to hear about Jesus, we have to tell people that He’s the reason we do what we do.
Second, historians can find zero evidence that St. Francis said it. For Pete’s sake, if someone has said it in my small group or or I’ve read on the interweb, it HAS to be true, right? Right?!? They’ve looked everywhere in his writings. I hate to break this to you, but none of St. Frank’s followers or biographers attribute him ever saying anything close to this quote. As a matter of fact, the famous monk was known to preach (OUT LOUD!) in five villages in one day. He clearly believed words are incredibly necessary.
Paul makes it clear that transmitting the Good News is inherently verbal. “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso)? And how are they to preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) unless they are sent? (Rom 10:14-15). Words ARE necessary. Unclick your mute button and crank up the volume.
Our Programming Lineup
Now with the transmitter humming at full power, what are we to put on the air? What sort of programming should be part of our daily lineup? In a word, it’s “the word” (v2). Don’t overcomplicate it. Jesus’ best friend was the Apostle John. One of his favorite nicknames for the Son of God is “the Word” (Jn 1:1, 1:14). We’re to be the Jesus Channel. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time.
The Good News is the one and only message we see throughout the NT. Jesus tours Galilee “proclaiming (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) the Gospel” (Mt 4:23; Mk 1:14). When describing God’s great end game, Christ tells His crew that “this Gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) throughout the whole world” (Mt 24:14; similarly in Mk 13:14).
After walking out of the graveyard and just before heading home to heaven, our Savior made it clear what we’re to do until He comes back. “Go into all the world and proclaim (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15). That’s why Paul tells the Corinthians, “We preach (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) Christ crucified” (1Cor 1:23) as well as “proclaimed (Gr. κηρυσσω/kerusso) as raised from the dead” (1Cor 15:12).
What Exactly Is the Gospel?
We’re to relentlessly broadcast Jesus. We’re to publicly announce who He is and what He’s done on our behalf. Need a recap? Okey doke. Christ lived the perfect life of obedience to God’s commands that we’ve failed to live. He died the substitutionary death on the cross that we should have died. He rose to spectacular resurrection life that we don’t deserve. He does for us what we could never dream of doing for ourselves.
That’s the word we broadcast. Not the Bible Code. Not crazy theories about blood moons and the end times. Not wacky speculation about whether Jesus was married. Not to do better and try harder to please God. Not treating God like some cosmic Coke machine that dishes out blessings on demand. “Preach the word.” Broadcast Jesus.
God’s Promise and Pirate Radio
This is a great reminder about the collection of ancient documents we call the Bible. God wrote a book. It’s all about Jesus. It’s NOT about us. But it is FOR us. Jesus is the Hero of the entire story. At the very beginning, God promises Adam and Eve He would send a Savior to fix the mess they’ve made (Gen 3:15).
He continues making similar guarantees to folks like Abraham, Moses, and David. God never stops loving us despite our rebellion against His kingdom. Eventually the Son of God leaves the comforts of the heavenly palace and come to our rescue and die for our sin. Before returning to His Father, Jesus promises the ultimate encore when He will return to literally bring Heaven to Earth.
That’s “the word” (v2) we transmit. That’s the focus of our programming. That’s the basis of our broadcast. We’re like Pirate Radio, sending out a rebel signal of hope to a lost and dying world. We’re to be the Jesus Channel. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His message.
Broadcasting with Urgency
Paul gives Tim specific instructions on when to transmit the Good News. “Be ready in season and out of season” (v2). “Be ready” is actually the Greek verb that literally means “cause to stand” (Gr. -ιστημι/-istemi) “on” or “over” (Gr. εφι-/ephi-). It’s standing in particular place in order to do something suddenly or quickly. In other words, we’re to be all over it!
There’s an urgency just about every time we see this word in the NT. There was the time the religious police turn on the blue lights and rapidly respond to a call about Jesus teaching folks at the temple. They hightailed it over and “came up (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi)” to Him (Lk 20:1). Dr. Luke uses it when describing the elders’ and scribes’ ambush of Stephen when “they came upon (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) him and seized him” (Acts 6:12).
After the Gospel turns the city of Thessalonica upside down and riots break out, a mob furiously “attacked (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) the house of Jason” looking for the followers of Jesus (Acts 17:5). The Roman commander describes to the governor how an angry Jewish crowd turned on Paul and he “was about to be killed by them when I came upon them (Gr. εφιστημι/ephistemi) and rescued him” (Acts 23:27).
Paul wants us to be on hot standby and ready to tell folks about Jesus. Let’s not get caught off guard. Broadcasters warn people who are in the studio that every mic is always hot, every red light on every camera is always on. In the same way, disciples of the resurrected Rabbi from Galilee must not get caught off guard. Microphones are hot. Cameras are on. People are watching and listening. Are we urgently broadcasting His message of grace? Remember, the Good News is ALWAYS breaking news!
Preseason, Regular Season, Postseason, Offseason
The apostle instructs Tim that we’re to broadcast the Gospel not just urgently but constantly. That’s what he means when he says to tell folks about Jesus “in season and out of season” (v2). Every sport has a preseason, regular season, postseason, and offseason. TV shows premiere new episodes in the fall season before cueing up the reruns. When it comes to broadcasting the grace of Christ, there’s always a reason no matter the season.
Paul’s having a little fun with words here in the original language. He begins with “in season” (Gr. ευκαιρως/eukairos), which literally means “good (Gr. ευ-/eu-) timing (Gr. -καιρως/-kairos).” This is when it’s convenient, when the time is right, when the opportunity strikes, or when all conditions are perfect. These are those moments when God sets it on a tee for you. These are those rare but wonderful times when someone asks you a sincere question about your faith.
Similarly, “out of season” (Gr. ακαιρως/akairos) literally means “no (Gr. α-/a-) timing (Gr. -καιρως/-kairos).” You guessed it. This describes an inopportune time, an inconvenient moment, or unfavorable time. Instead of shutting down when the moment doesn’t seem right, the apostle says that’s just when we’re to lean in.
One important point about these “out of season” (v2) moments. We must be discerning and know our audience. That’s exactly what Paul did that day in Athens up on Mars Hill. He had done his research on what the residents believed. He found an open door when he learned about an “unknown god” and walked right through it (Acts 17:22-27). The message doesn’t change but our methods always do. So whether it’s preseason, regular season, postseason, or offseason, it’s always Jesus season.
A Three-Point Plan
The apostle gives Tim a three-point plan when it comes to the “how” of preaching the Gospel: “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” (v2). His intent here is pretty simple. First, use overwhelming proof in God’s Word to show God’s people what they’ve done wrong. Second, warn them against potential dangers and the landmines of life. Third, cheer them on in the right direction. It’s the idea of afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.
Once again, Paul warns us against one-size-fits-all style of broadcasting. Sure, the core of the transmission is still and should always be Jesus. But like a TV station provides programming for its audience depending on the time of day, we should adjust our preaching according to who’s in the room. While the meat of the message is always God’s grace, we should use a very different approach when it comes to preschoolers, unbelievers, and mature followers of Jesus.
When you see the need to “reprove” (v2), use the power of Scripture to reveal blind spots. When folks need “rebuke” (v2), it’s time to post a warning about the cost that comes from the sin on the far side of the sign. And there are those times people need you to “exhort” (v2) them. When they’re living lives of love toward God and others, make sure to give them an “attaboy.” Or as it reads in the Message, “Challenge, warn, and urge your people” (v2 The Message).
Under Pressure in the Pocket
The apostle wraps up his broadcasting instructions by telling Tim to do it “with complete patience and teaching” (v2). “Patience” is the Greek word μακροθυμια/makrothumia, which literally means “long” (Gr. μακρο-/makro-) “heating” (Gr. -θυμια/-thumia). It’s keeping your cool under constant pressure. Preach the Gospel like a veteran QB who never freaks out when facing a wicked pass rush.
Don’t get distracted from what God has called you to do. And that’s “teaching (Gr. διδαχη/didache)” (v2). This is staying on message and remaining faithful to the core of Good News of our Savior. Again, methods will always change. The message never does. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His message. It’s the Jesus Channel.
Relentlessly Broadcasting Jesus
While there’s no question these commands are given from one preacher to another, every follower of Christ should be paying attention. Jesus calls every one of trusts in Him to get the word out (Mt 28:19; Mk 16:15; Acts 1:8). Once again, I love how the Message drives it home. “So proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple” (v2 The Message).
Never turn off the transmitter. Never put up a test pattern. Send it out loud and proud. Let’s adjust our programming to fit our audience. But our core message never changes. All Jesus. All Gospel. All grace. All love. All the time. We’re relentlessly broadcasting His Good News. It’s the Jesus Channel.
Well said Jay! Thanks.
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