Be ready to preach the Word in season and out of season

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4.2 ESV)

The above passage is a command, not a suggestion! 

You must preach the Word, and do so “in season and out of season”. That means you must be ready (prepared) to do it any time, whether it’s convenient or not. 

But what if you cannot preach?

You may say that this command doesn’t apply to you because you cannot “preach”. But, preaching comes in many different forms, methods, styles and formats. The dictionary defines preach this way: “to make a speech about religion in a church or other public place; to deliver a sermon; to write or speak about (something) in an approving way; to say that (something) is good or necessary.” Preaching can be verbal, written, acted out, illustrated, taught, explained with visual art or music. It can be personally demonstrated and explained in many different ways. St Francis of Assisi, the Italian Catholic friar, church deacon and preacher, said, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” The obvious point he was making is that you don’t have to actually speak out the message verbally to share the gospel. You can simply go about living your life in the best way possible so as to shine your light before others so they will see Christ. Jesus said it this way, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16 NIV)

Effective ways to “preach the Word”

Over the next few days I’m going to share a number of effective ways you can “preach the Word”, Beginning with how to share your testimony.