Scripture Reading: II Timothy 3:16—4:4
Down through the ages, and throughout generations and dispensations. God has spoken to His people in many different ways. He has appeared in miraculous form, spoken audibly without manifestation, delivered commandments through chosen messengers. And the instruction has varied'in each instance according to His manner of dealing with the hearers of His Word.
But miraculous visions and thundering commands are not today the order of God's communication to the church. Instead, we have the written instructions from on high as penned by the apostle Paul. "Whereof 1 [Paul] am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to COMPLETE the Word of God; Even the mystery which hath -been hid from ages and from generations..." (Col. 1:25, 26). Jesus Christ finished His work of redemption, arose from the dead and ascended to the right hand of the Father in the glory.
And from thence comes the revelation of the mystery, directly to and through the great apostle.
Thus do we learn of our message and our ministry. "To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ..." (II Cor. 5:19, 20). Paul admonishes us to "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;
TEACHING and admonishing one another..." (Col. 3:16). And he exhorts us, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway WITH GRACE, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Col. 4:5, 6).
Paul's instructions to Timothy are just as appropriate for us as to the young pastor. "The things that thou hast heard of me...the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to TEACH OTHERS also" (II Tim. 2:2). "PREACH THE WORD; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine." May we rise to the task and reap the reward!
King James Bible
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