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II Timothy 4.2 (NIV)
Preach the Word; be prepared
in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great
patience and careful instruction.
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| While the grace of Jesus never changes, the way we present him in an ever-changing culture must never stay the same.* |
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An
alternate translation of “in season and out of season” is “with or without
opportunity.”* Jesus made opportunities out of social events
(wedding feasts, religious festivals, meals in the homes of friends and sinners),
and private encounters. He spoke to people he met along the road or found in a
tree, and he used Peter’s boat as a pulpit.* No occasion was inappropriate.
As Christians, we are always “on call,” but unlike “first responders,” we never
have a day off. “In season and out of season” implies that we are to be
proactively seeking a fire to put out, not sitting around waiting for the
alarm. In this world, there is always a fire blazing somewhere!
Our
approach will vary to suit the needs of the listener. When someone asks you for
directions, you start from where he is. You don’t back up to a different
starting point and you don’t skip ahead and miss key landmarks. Preaching a
sermon in English is a waste of time if your audience speaks only Portuguese.
An illustration using references to movies or technology will be meaningless if
you are preaching to an isolated tribe in Africa. Know your audience and keep
your focus on “proclaiming the truth with love and boldness regardless of the
culture."*
Finally, be careful and patient. People will
be slow to learn and/or refuse to listen.* Be ready and be willing
to let the Holy Spirit do his work.
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| Our effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission . . . depends on the way we connect the unchanging gospel with an ever-changing world.* |
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