Waist Deep 2018 - December 3


II Timothy 4: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. (NIV)


While the grace of Jesus never changes, the way we present him in an ever-changing culture must never stay the same.*


An alternate translation of the phrase in season and out of season is:  with or without opportunity.* And that’s what Jesus did. He made opportunities out of social events (wedding feasts, religious festivals, meals in the homes of friends and sinners) and private encounters. He spoke to people he met along the road or found in a tree, and he used Peter’s boat as a pulpit.* No occasion was inappropriate. As Christians, we are always “on call” - but unlike “first responders,” we never have a day off. “In season and out of season” implies that we are to be proactively seeking a fire to put out, not sitting around waiting for the alarm. In this world, there is always a fire blazing somewhere! 

Our approach will vary to suit the needs of the listener. When someone asks you for directions, you start from where he is. You don’t back up to a different starting point and you don’t skip ahead and miss key landmarks. Preaching a sermon in English is a waste of time if your audience speaks only Portuguese. An illustration using references to movies or technology will be meaningless if you are preaching to an isolated tribe in Africa. Know your audience and keep your focus on proclaiming the truth with love and boldness regardless of the culture.*

Finally, we should be careful and patient. People will be slow to learn and/or refuse to listen.* Be ready and be willing to let the Holy Spirit do his work. In season or out!


Our effectiveness in fulfilling the Great Commission . . . depends on the way we connect the unchanging gospel with an ever-changing world.*


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