Paul reminded Timothy to work at telling the good news. Timothy had a challenging assignment in Ephesus, and Paul reminded him of the main thing. 2 Timothy 3:5Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. [1] The word work carries the idea that ministry is hard and requires faith, persistence, prayer, and courage.
The Apostle Paul went on three missionary journeys. These were difficult and dangerous because people were not always receptive to God’s word. Paul made tents to make a living during his missionary journeys. Although Paul’s life was not easy, seeing the fruit of people coming to faith and taking steps to mature was at the heart of his ministry. Paul knew the work involved in telling people the good news of Jesus and wrote Timothy to encourage him to keep telling others. Yes, it is work, but it is worth it because you are making an eternal difference in the lives of people.
God Has Plans for Us
The Lord had an incredible plan for Timothy’s life, including making an eternal difference in other people’s lives. Psalm 139:16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. [2] God has plans for our life, but that doesn’t mean they will be easy. The Lord’s plans for our lives give us purpose and fulfillment and center around God’s will, not our selfish desires.
Paul knew that Timothy needed to be encouraged along with the people he was ministering to. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. [3] Sharing the good news of Jesus takes patience and continued encouragement while letting God’s word work in people’s hearts. God has a great plan that begins with faith that will stretch you, lead you to depend on Him, and change your life and those around you.
God Makes the Seed Grow
As Paul writes, telling others about Jesus’s good news is like planting seeds. 1 Corinthians 3:5 Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. 6 I (Paul) planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.[4] One of the greatest gifts the Lord gives us is telling others about the Good News of Jesus. Yes, some seeds don’t take root, but the ones that do are eternally changed. Who planted the good news of Jesus in your heart, and how has that transformed your life? Who would the Lord like you to share the Good News of Jesus with?
To learn more about how to work at telling the good news, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/lead-faithfully
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.