River West Church

Back To List

Preach the Word!

Compelled to Proclaim the Word
My heart is filled with emotion every time I read this passage. It’s all over the map. I’m thrilled, intimidated, excited, encouraged, and overwhelmed all at the same time! But most of all, I feel “compelled.” Every time I read these words my heart is compelled to proclaim the Word of God. I think that is exactly the response that Paul was looking for when he wrote these words to Timothy. I can’t think of a more intense, personal, or powerful passage. This is Paul’s very last “charge” to Timothy. After this, Paul will face death. These are his final – final words. He saved the most pressing thing for last. Here is Paul’s final theme, final request, and final instruction for his beloved protégé Timothy: preach the Word!

Once again, Paul is sharing his own heart and life experience, for he himself was a man who was compelled by Christ to preach the Word. But there’s more at work here than Paul’s personal experience. Paul knows that the proclamation of the Word is God’s way of drawing men and women to faith in Christ and building his church in our broken world. That’s why Paul was compelled to proclaim the Word and that’s why he wants to compel Timothy to do the same. And it must go beyond Timothy too. In the relay of Gospel truth, life, and ministry Timothy must challenge and equip others to do the same. Ultimately this relay of the Gospel has come all the way to us.

So what about us? Do we feel this same sense of urgency? Are we compelled to proclaim the Word? Is this theme only for preachers and pastors, or does it have a wider application? What does all this imply for us as a community of Christ, as we gather weekly for worship and the preaching of the Word?

The Convictions that Compel Us
This is how it works – if we’re compelled, it’s because of our convictions. It’s what we believe about God and his Word that compels us to proclaim the Word.

As you read 2 Timothy 4:1-8, take note of the intense convictions that radiate from this passage. These are the convictions that Paul wants Timothy to hold tight. These are the convictions that will move Timothy past his fears, to boldly engage in the ministry of God’s Word.

These are the convictions that drive us too, right here at River West Church.

The God of the universe has spoken – in Christ and in Scripture. His Word is true. His Word is powerful and life giving. God uses the ministry of teaching and preaching the Word as his tool to draw men and women to faith in Christ; to form a community of Christ that will change the world for Christ. Our job is to faithfully teach and proclaim this Word; and to receive it, learn it, and respond to it in faith.