preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. [2 timothy 4:2]
preaching the word, exalting Jesus and his redemptive work, is the “work” of the preacher. this is a vital work that is important for the body of Christ and for those God is saving who are outside his body. but paul is reminding timothy, this is a difficult and never-ending work.
in season and out of season – is a farming term which implies there is a season for planting and growth and a season that the field lays empty or fallow. this is true for farming. this is not true for preaching.
preaching the word is a difficult and never-ending work that must be done at all times, no matter what is happening in the world, the body, or your life. it must continue happening no matter how open, or ready, or fruitful the people are. it must continue in the midst of persecution and personal struggles. it must continue – in season and out of season. over many seasons, this is an incredibly difficult task.
today, i want to ask you to pray for your pastors and the pastors of churches around us who are preaching the word in season and out of season. below will be a few scriptures to focus your prayers. and below, there will be a list of those you can pray for by name. these are all acts 29 church planting pastors in the area that we are in relationship with through the acts network. please, feel free to add other names to your prayers today.
may we intercede with a humble boldness because of our access to the Father won by Jesus’ redemptive work. may we intercede with fervor and confidence, that God hears our prayers because of Jesus’ work. may we intercede with the knowledge that God longs to commune with you through prayer. may we intercede because these brothers need the Spirit’s power to preach the word, in season and out of season. come to him now and engage in his presence to exalt the name of Jesus in the lives of these brothers.
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. to that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [eph 6:18]
we always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, [col 1:3]
continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. at the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, [col 4:2-3]
but as for you, o man of God, flee these things. pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. fight the good fight of the faith. [1 tim 6:11-12]
we give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 thess 1:2-3]
finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, [2 thess 3:1]
- trey herweck – refuge church (st charles, mo)
- brian agovino – summit church (o’fallon, mo)
- rik maxedon – north church (ferguson, mo)
- tim gray – city on a hill church (arnold, mo)
- jeff neville – heartland church (st louis, mo)
- mike hubbard – genesis church (eureka, mo)
- marc sikma – matthias lot church (st charles, mo)
- corey johnston – heights church (collinsville, il)
- steve mizel – trailhead church (edwardsville, il)
~ john ryan