HOSTILE

2 Timothy 4:1-8- In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (NIV).

• CHRIST-FOLLOWERS MUST PREACH THE GOSPEL WITH GENTLENESS, LOVE, AND RESPECT (V1-2).

Sharing the Gospel is a responsibility of every Christ-follower.

Matthew 28:19 (NIV)- Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Every Christ follower has the ability to do this because Christ rose from the dead, and has given us His Holy Spirit. Many people in the Church say they “can’t” share the Gospel . . . rather, they “won’t.” Do not fall victim to liberalism in the church as many are doing today; we must stick like glue to sound Biblical doctrine. Romans 12:2 (NIV): Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

• CHRIST-FOLLOWRS MUST PREACH THE GOSPEL EVEN IN THE FACE OF RIDICULE AND PERSECUTION (V3-5).

Top reasons why unbelievers do not view the Bible as “credible” any longer:

1. See no need for a personal Savior- (i.e.- No such thing as sin, good/evil).

2. Truth is in the eye of the beholder: What makes me feel the most good? (I.e.- your truth is good for you; my truth is good for me).

3. We have “evolved” to a greater level; we don’t need God.

4. God is made up to control us.

5. Christian’s are narrow minded and stuck in the “stone- age.”

In 1 Cor 2:14, Paul states that the Gospel is plain foolishness to unbelievers. None of the above reasons listed are based on fact. Instead they are based on feeling: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

• CHRIST-FOLLOWRS MUST PREACH THE GOSPEL WITH AN ETERNAL MINDSET (V6-8).

Did you know one of the most least-preached sermon topics is the eternal reward of Christ-follower? Ironic, isn’t it?

Paul is not shy here in talking about what awaits faithful Christ-followers in glory. This is not rule keeping or religion; this is about a personal relationship with our King. It’s knowing Christ and making Him known. There will be rewards in heaven!

In the parable of the Bags of Gold in Mat 25: Jesus stated: 22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more. 23 His master replied, well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (NIV)”

As Christ-followers, we are sure to experience hardships on this earth. In fact, Jesus clearly outlines the cost of following Him in Luke 9. This is another topic we shy away from in the Church. There IS a cost. In fact, it’s an all or nothing proposition. But, the rewards far outweigh everything else. Matthew 16:25 (NIV)- For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will find it.

Christ-followers are called to show Christ to a lost world, no matter how hostile it gets.