Seasons of Love, 2

Seasons of Love, sermon continued.  

Listen to these words from the second book of Timothy, chapter 4, verses 1-5.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you:  proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching.  For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires,  and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.  As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.

The letters to Timothy may have been written by Paul to his younger companion in ministry, Timothy, or by someone writing in his name to a later generation about the responsibility of transmitting Paul’s theological legacy with care and accuracy.  Either way, I think it speaks to us.  We have been entrusted with passing along the legacy of Christianity.  We are called by God to spread the Good News, and to do it with persistence and patience.  If not by us, then how does the faith move from one generation to the next?

Listen to the second verse again:  “I solemnly urge you:  proclaim the message: be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching.”

Take a moment – consider and remember who have been your teachers. Who has brought you to the place where you stand in faith?  Remember them.