In Season And Out

“Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2

Bible Commentator J. I. Packer said, “Certainty about the great issues of the Christian faith and conduct is lacking all along the line. ?The outside observer sees us staggering on from gimmick to gimmick and stunt to stunt like so many drunks in a fog, not knowing at all where we are or which way we should be going. – Preaching is hazy; heads are muddled; hearts fret; doubts drain strength; uncertainty paralyzes action….Unlike the first Christians who in three centuries won the Roman world, and those later Christians who pioneered the Reformation, and the Puritan awakening and the Evangelical revival, and the great missionary movement of the last century, we lack certainty. Why is this? We blame the external pressures of modern secularism, but this is like Eve blaming the serpent. The real truth is that we have grieved the Spirit…we stand under divine judgment.”

The Lord asks us to be faithful both in season and out of season in delivering His Word.

“Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience the bloom on the fruit.” – Christina Rossetti

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” – 1 Timothy 1:16