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In 2 Timothy we have the recorded last words of the Apostle Paul to Timothy, his son in the faith. They sound rather serious and of great consequence: “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus … I give you this charge” (2 Tim. 4:1). This is not a light urging and persuasion but more like an order or command of great importance from a senior leader to a junior leader and from a commanding officer to the soldier. It is not to be disobeyed. Of great significance is that this charge is made “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead”. Paul wants Timothy to realise the eternal consequence of this solemn responsibility for the task on hand has divine oversight. It is a task for which Timothy, Paul’s chosen leader for the Ephesian Churches, has to give an account and ultimately whether he has done the job and done it well.

“Simply put – Timothy is to “Preach the Word”. Teach God’s truths, proclaim the good news of the gospel, instruct on the doctrines taught in the Bible and to “correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction”. This is the chief most important task that Timothy has to carry out. He must be ready to teach – “be prepared in season and out of season”. This readiness and availability is not at his convenience but whenever and wherever the need arises. The job description is clear and the handbook of instruction is only the Holy Bible.

Paul also gave some practical guidelines on how Timothy should “fulfil” this ministry. A teacher’s job is not easy. Skills are needed to carry out this work in the best manner possible. The teacher should possess qualities of patience and long-suffering. He will meet with many type of listeners, some of whom choose to hear what they want to hear, some are more interested in myths rather than truths, especially ethical truths that are opposite to their comfortable lifestyles. Therefore a teacher of God’s truths needs to have a careful and concerned tolerance even for such “itching ears” listeners. The teacher needs to remain firm and stand up for the high ethical standards taught in the Bible. We too need to teach the Bible fearlessly because by this people will come to have faith in Jesus Christ and mature in their Christian faith.