2 Timothy 4:5 But watch you in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry. I. "BUT BE THOU SOBER IN ALL THINGS." 1. The presence of false teachers necessitated a wakeful attitude, a constant presence of mind, a quick discernment of opportunities for advancing the truth. 2. There ought to be a consistently sober and watchful care extending through the whole life of the minister, who has to "give account of souls." II. "SUFFER HARDSHIP." 1. If the minister fears the anger of men, he will not be faithful to God. 2. There is a reward for brave suffering. (1 Timothy 2:3-12.) 3. The example of the apostle's life was ever before Timothy as a powerful incentive to endurance. (1 Timothy 3:10-12.) III. "DO THE WORK OF AN EVANGELIST." 1. There was a separate class of officers called evangelists in the apostolic Church (Ephesians 4:11), whose special business was to break new ground in the open fields of heathenism or the narrower confines of Judaism. They preached the gospel, while pastors shepherded the flocks. But we are not to suppose that pasters did not also "do the work of an evangelist." They had saints and sinners under their care in all places. 2. As Timothy had been lately occupied in organizing the Church life of Ephesus, the admonition was not needless that he should henceforth devote himself to the direct work of evangelization, as the best antidote to heresy and impiety. IV. "MAKE FULL PROOF OF THY MINISTRY." This was to be done: 1. By constant labours. 2. By unswerving faithfulness to God and man. 3. By efforts to save sinners and edify saints, which were seen to be successful. Such a man fulfils his ministry, for he seeks not his own things, but the things of Christ. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. |
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