In what turned out to be the final words in his final letter, Paul charged the young pastor, Timothy, with these ideas:

Preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Paul warned Timothy that the work won’t be easy. People will find the way of Jesus too challenging and too constraining. They will flutter to teachings that promote what their itching ears want to hear, turning away from the truth and rejecting Timothy in the process.

Regardless of what comes, Paul encouraged: But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

On other words, do the work and spread the faith. Stay true to the scriptures despite the unpopularity of the message. Remain constant and dependable—there’s a lot to be said for steady.

Paul’s charge is applicable to both me and you. It instructs us to maintain composure, endure difficulties, openly proclaim our faith, and stay true to the teachings of the Bible.

Like Timothy, let us hold steady and keep the faith.

2 Timothy 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Anne Nygård