2 Timothy 4:2 - Remain Steadfast

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the world; be instant in season, out of season . . .

This is quoted from "Sparkling Gems from the Greek" by Rick Renner...

Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy during a tumultuous time during Timothy's ministry. At first, the church was thriving and growing. Timothy was a young new pastor whom everybody loved! Those earlier years in the church were moving and exciting!

But during the time that Second Timothy was written, Nero had become the emperor of Rome and his insanity was wreaking havoc in believer's lives. He declared that Christians be purged and made an example to all other believers. The Roman government intended to scare them back into the old pagan temples.

Many believers died for their faith. Others returned to the old temples to save their lives. Timothy also had to deal with rebellion among some of his church leaders.

Paul urged Timothy to "be instant in season, out of season..."

The word "instant" is the Greek word ephistimi, which is a compound of the word epi and istimi. The word epi means upon, and the word istimi means to stand. Compounded into one word, the new word means to stand upon, as to take a firm stand or a hard position.''

Paul told him to take a firm stand at his position "in season, out of season." This looks like a play on words, but it is a very powerful statement to those of us who are doing our best to serve God. The words "in season" come from the Greek word eukairos and the words "out of season" come from the Greek word akairos.

The word kairos is the Greek word that means seasons or times. And eu added as a prefix to it means good or happy times. And "a" added as a prefix to it means bad times.

So when Paul told him, "Be instant in season and out of season," he was really telling him to be faithful and remain steadfast, whether he was having happy times or bad times.

What kind of season are you going through right now? Is it a happy season? Or are you experiencing hard times? If it's bad times, this is not the time for you to run in fear. Since God has called you, it's time for you to dig in, take a firm stand and resolve that you are going to be faithful whether times are good or bad.

I assure you that the bad times will eventually pass. Dark clouds never last. Wouldn't it be a shame if you gave up and sacrificed everything you've worked so hard to gain because of some bad times that you might be experiencing?

Jesus is with you. He will give you the strength you need to stand tall and to remain faithful. He will do His part, but only you can do your part. What is your part? To stay faithful!

Lord, I receive this word today as strength for my life. I'm not going to let the devil or my circumstances chase me away from where I know I need to be. It's been very difficult, but this season will pass - and when it does, I'll be stronger, wiser and more equipped for the future. I thank You for your glorious word!

I pray this in Jesus' name!