GOODNEWSLETTER
Number 397 December 1st, 2011
TIS THE SEASON
"Preach the word; be instant in season and out of season, reprove,
rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and DOCTRINE," 2nd Timothy 4:2.
ALTOGETHER NOW: 'Tis the season to Preach the word...with all longsuffering,' Fa La La La La – La, La, La, La. Well, when your heart's happy and joyous, your call to preach will be bouncing. Every preacher (and, member) should give a testimony that will be smiling and joyous. That's how it works! Follow Jesus, and the need of every person is evident. Tis the season.
Further, just as gladly, you say that Jesus died for them, as well you. Those already saved and even going to church, need to hear about the beginning the church and Her rich history. The same teaching of the truth has come down through the centuries. It's the same truth held by believers down through the years. And, this truth held by His church, His members, will never stop; for our LORD promised never to forsake them. As missionaries are sent and churches are established, Jesus promised, "...I am with you all the way even to the end of the world" (church age), Matthew 28:19-20. Tis the season.
And, when Paul writes to Timothy, we see that he writes from experience. What he asks of us, he's done or has the heart to be ready to do. Certainly, his conscience was renewed since the road on Damascus but, Paul did what he thought God wanted him to do all the time. "I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day," he told the council (Acts 23:1). These words would mean trouble for the Apostle. In fact, the council, composed of Jews, hated Paul. The High Priest slapped him at the beginning. However, Paul was a cleaver preacher and, very longsuffering. He knew Tis the season.
Clearly, Paul couldn't believe that he was on trial by these two groups of differing beliefs of eternity. The two sects were as far apart as anyone could get. However, with the Sadducees and the Pharisees joining together in these accusations against him, Paul sees an opportunity to put this council is disarray. His safety lie in the fact that Tis the season.
Paul boldly tells them: "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question" (Acts 23:6). He knew his belief of the resurrection would cause a stir; that the Sadducees did not believe in a resurrection. They did not even believe in angels or that man has a spirit (V 8). On the other side of the Theological aisle were the Pharisees. This sect of the Jews confessed both truths (V 8). Don't you see Paul smiling on the inside? Indeed, Tis the season.
Paul knew that the division was a lot more than merely being in one camp or another. The division grew. It became so strong between the two Jewish sects that the chief captain feared that Paul "... should have been pulled in pieces." He commanded the soldiers to take Paul back to the castle. But, the next day, 40 of the Jews banded to kill Paul (V 12-13). However, Paul was told by the LORD earlier that since, he testified in Jerusalem, God would take him to Rome to tell of the good news there, as well (V 11). Yes! Tis the season.
And so, we see that it's the season to take a stand for Jesus is any time of the year; every time a spiritual need comes around. But, we have to be like Paul. We have to wait on the Lord with a longsuffering attitude. Patience needs to fill the believer's heart. It takes time to wait on others; for them to take the stand. But, didn't we take a long time, ourselves? So, Timothy, "Preach the word, in season and out of season." While, nobody likes to be reproved and rebuked, patience and longsuffering is a must while preaching the Word of God. Nevertheless, Tis the season.
Pastors must learn longsuffering in dealing with the community they are called to work. I know, first hand, that Pastors must go slow, waiting on others. We preach and we teach discipline to the members but, it takes a long time for some to get the message. Even the ones that join with us with both feet, have a tendency (fleshly) to walk away after a very short period of time of church work. However, Tis the season.
But, listen very intently! Paul had a clear heart in all that he did. Yes, he was bothered by the persecution he did to the Lord's church; considering himself to be the least of all Apostles. Yet, Paul never gave up. He was no quitter. And, he went through a lot for his testimony. Paul was always in trouble. The Jews attempted to get rid of him on many occasion. It seems that Paul's life was given to being bound, while traveling to his next preaching adventure. But, what could he do? Tis the season.
So, read Paul's epistle to Timothy, carefully, Brethren. Let's all be ready, in season and out of season to preach the word of God. Don't forget the longsuffering that comes with your ministry. TIS THE SEASON to do the work of the LORD.