Sermon Notes 6/19 – Born for a Time Like This: 2 Timothy 4:1–8

1. Preach the Word 2 Timothy 4:1–2

Paul gives Timothy a serious and weighty charge: “Preach the Word.” He gives this charge before God and Christ Jesus—the One who will judge the living and the dead—and reminds him that Christ is coming again. This is not casual or optional. It is a call with eternal consequences.

To “preach” means to proclaim publicly with urgency. In the Greek, the word kēryx refers to a herald who stood in public places declaring critical messages from the king. The gospel is not private advice; it is public, eternal truth that must be proclaimed.

Jesus modeled this: “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matt. 11:15; Mark 4:9; Luke 8:8)

Paul affirms this in Romans 10:14: “How will they hear without a preacher?” and in 1 Timothy 4:13, urging believers to devote themselves to the public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching.

This charge is for all of us—not just pastors. We are all called to proclaim truth.

  •  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” (Romans 1:16)

2. Discern the Times:

Discerning the times doesn’t mean panic; it means purposeful living in Christ. JESUS IS COMING SOON

2 Timothy 4:3–5We must see the world through a biblical lens—not in fear or apathy, but in obedience to God. Paul urges Timothy to be watchful in the end times so that he will know how to live. In 1 Chronicles 12:32, the sons of Issachar “had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” We must be like them.

List of the Signs of the Times From Matthew 24 and 2 Timothy 3:

False Christs will appear, wars and rumors of wars will increase, nation will rise against nation, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

The Bible calls the return of Jesus the blessed hope and glorious appearing Titus 2:13. We are headed for glory. Don’t be afraid of the end times. Discern-we are entering a time after certain events-the Rapture-The Week of Jacob-The Second Coming- The Millennial Kingdom that is so exciting as long as you’re with Christ! Since we know the end is near, we must act accordingly. What must we do?

3. Be Watchful

2 Timothy 4:5–6 Paul tells Timothy to “watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” He is passing the baton. Paul is finishing his race and charging Timothy—and us—to carry it forward with boldness and urgency.

We must live like Jesus could return today.

How to Be Watchful

  • Watch and pray.  “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7) “Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.”

  • (Mark 13:32-36) No one know the day and the hour. We cannot put Christ’s return on the calendar. However we can pray and be watchful so that when He comes suddenly, we will be ready.

Call to Action: How many would like to make a change and receive that baton today and be activated by the Holy Spirit’s anointing to fulfill God’s plan for their lives? You were born for a time like this!