Preach the word (κηρυξον τον λογον [keruxon ton logon])
I hope the formatting works when I post this to the web...this was one of the few phrases that I remember from my Greek studies...I remember much of what I learned, but precious few phrases and this was one that stuck...Preach the word (κηρυξον τον λογον [keruxon ton logon])
Paul's admonition to Timothy is both strong and striking! Think about how Paul sets this up in verse 1..."I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:"
Paul is facing the end of his life, aware of this he uses the strongest language at his disposal. The charge carries the full weight of four unshakable facts—the presence of God and Christ, the coming judgment of Christ, the return of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom.
The charge is laid out before us in v 2 and holds five commands. "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." Paul begins with preaching because Jesus and the gospel are the foundation for everything else...checkout Rom.10:14. I don't know about you, but I never tire of saying that it is all about Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! What is the world coming to? It is coming to Jesus! The only other phrase that I can say in the Greek language is "Jesus Christ is LORD." Every creature, human and angelic will say it...either as a beloved friend and brother or as an enemy...everyone will say it that "Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father." AMEN AND AMEN!
The mandate to be prepared to be ready "in season and out of season," simply means to be ready to share the gospel whether it is convenient or not! In 1 Pet 3:15 we hear something very similar..."But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear." It makes no difference how you and I feel, how long the day has been...when we are presented with an opportunity we are called to be ready!
Every child of God must always be prepared to make a defense, to give a reason for the hope and to reprove, rebuke, exhort,with great patience and instruction." Timothy (and you and I) are to be filled with the Spirit and be ready in in all situations and maintain a willingness to accept the suffering that goes with "living a godly life."
A few of you may be thinking..."but Mark I am not a preacher!" As you read through the New Testament notice how often the Apostles preached to large groups...very seldom. Most of the concepts we have about preaching today come from our culture not from the Bible...please put down your stones! Just read your bible...preaching simply conveys the idea of proclaiming the gospel...you can proclaim Jesus to one person or to 10,000.
Preach the word (κηρυξον τον λογον [keruxon ton logon])
Preach the Word to the glory of God because we love HIM and we love others...we know that one day everyone will bow the knee, those that do so before they die will spend eternity with HIM, in HIS presence and those that refuse will spend eternity in hell...PREACH THE WORD!
love,
m