2 Timothy 4:1-5 (TLB) 1 And so I solemnly urge you before God and before Christ Jesus—who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom— 2 to preach the Word of God urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not. Correct and rebuke your people when they need it, encourage them to do right, and all the time be feeding them patiently with God’s Word. 3 For there is going to come a time when people won’t listen to the truth but will go around looking for teachers who will tell them just what they want to hear. 4 They won’t listen to what the Bible says but will blithely follow their own misguided ideas. 5 Stand steady, and don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Bring others to Christ. Leave nothing undone that you ought to do.
When you share the Word of God with others, do you ever feel you are out on a limb all by yourself? Take heart, for God is not only watching you, He is also there to help you.
Dan, a new believer, was looking forward to an upcoming class reunion. Some of his old classmates who had been close friends had since moved up the corporate ladder of success.
As the day grew nearer, Dan began to feel a twinge of nerves. "What can I say to these fellows who were such close friends? One of them is now a scientist. Another is a university professor. Still another is a great scholar and writer. What can I say that will lead them to Christ?"
Looking for encouragement, Dan called the man who had led him to Christ. "Mike, what shall I do? It's too late for me to back out now." Upon hearing Dan's concern, Mike graciously offered his advice. "Dan, there is no need for you to feel intimidated. It is your responsibility to reveal God's Word. If you will share the gospel, theLord will help you and cause your sharing to bear fruit. Trust Him. Draw on His strength."
The believer must never share the gospel in his own strength. God and Christ are watching our efforts: they are with us, will even give us the opportunity and the words to say. If we will be faithful to share the good news, the Lord will bless our efforts.
Practical Illustrations – Volume 10: Thessalonians-Philemon, (Chattanooga, TN: Leadership Ministries Worldwide, 2003), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, 21-22.
