INL May 19, 2006  

SOUNDING OUT:
What’s Imperative for Ministers?

  On my latest investigation I found thirty-two explicit commands given in the epistle of II Timothy. In thirty-two verbs in the imperative mood Paul tells Timothy what is absolutely necessary, urgent, and compelling. Paul makes it difficult to miss the focus of his instruction, because seventeen of those commands, more than half, deal with the ministry of the Word.

  Let’s read through these instructions.

II Timothy 1:8:
Be not thou therefore ashamed (imp.) of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker (imp.) of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

  That’s a good place to start. Let’s not be ashamed of the Word; it’s the power of God unto salvation. If we suffer hardship for the sake of the gospel, we do not let it deter us.

II Timothy 1:13,14:
Hold fast (imp.) the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14That good thing which was committed unto thee keep (imp.) by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

  This Word is established in our lives as we hold it fast and do not allow anyone to separate it from us. We should keep this valued trust and operate manifestations of the spirit so that we maintain and demonstrate the wholesome reality of the Word in our lives.

II Timothy 2:1,2:
Thou therefore, my son, be strong (imp.) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit (imp.) thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

  As we realize God’s wonderful grace that has allowed us to be put in trust with the gospel, we speak boldly. We share the same truths that delivered our lives in the same way with the same heart to others who will rise up, follow our example, and do the same.

II Timothy 2:7,8:
Consider (imp.) what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8Remember (imp.) that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:

  We meditate on the truth of God’s Word for understanding, considering it over and over again, remembering relentlessly that our risen savior is alive and in us as we minister.

II Timothy 2:14-16:
Of these things put them in remembrance (imp.), charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15Study (imp.) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16But shun (imp.) profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

  It is our responsibility to rightly divide the word of truth and charge others to do the same. The Word alone stands. Its truth endures forever. The ramblings and babblings of man only undermine and corrupt and increase ungodliness. The Word is without error and without deficiency. It is perfect and has everything we need. We dare not add to it or subtract from it. It is worthy of our study and pursuit.

II Timothy 2:23:
But foolish and unlearned questions avoid (imp.), knowing that they do gender strifes.

  In our diligent effort to live and proclaim the truth, we must not be sidetracked. There are so many important battles to fight, we must not put our efforts into piddling trifles. We have only one life to live and give. Let’s not waste it on second hand causes and crusades.

II Timothy 3:14:
But continue (imp.) thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

  We must continue in these things because as the immediate context declares: This Word of God is God-breathed and profitable that we might be fully equipped for every good work. Why would we ever end the greatest adventure man has undertaken.

II Timothy 4:2:
Preach (imp.) the word; be instant (imp.) in season, out of season; reprove (imp.), rebuke (imp.), exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

  As this Word of truth becomes dear to us, we waste no time or opportunity to preach it. Knowing what it did for us we offer it freely to others.

II Timothy 4:13:
The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring (imp.) with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.

  “Especially the parchments.” “Especially the parchments!” When we are diligent to see to our needs, let’s not forsake our greatest one. The parchments, Paul’s epistles, the gospel of Jesus Christ according to the great mystery. Let’s never be ashamed of it, and let’s never lose the appreciation of their unique importance to our lives. The proper attitude concerning God’s Word, will take us a long way to incorporating it to our lives.