2 Timothy 4:1-3
1- In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2- Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3- For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
What comes to your mind when you read the title, “Careful Instruction?” Some adults complain that they were never given careful instruction or encouragement in their younger years. Some adults give their lives to Christ in their older years. I have noted that there are many needs in the churches for “careful instruction.”
Have you ever been given bad instructions that got you either frustrated or off track? Well I suppose the better instruction is to take people to the scripture and then encourage them carefully. Not to long ago I heard that we must witness and tell others about Jesus. The man went on to say…”Ya just tell’em what you know about Jesus by example.”
Well careful instruction is needed in the lives of very young children as well as older adults. I went to the doctor this morning. I asked specific questions because I wanted specific opinions and details from my doctor. I wanted careful instruction because I did not desire to be led down the wrong path medically speaking! I was pleased that she took time to answer my questions and instruct me.
In the church we desire that studied and godly teachers teach and preach the word. If not studied and prepared they may not give us careful instruction. Next time you are asked to instruct or help someone– think and pray before a word comes from your mouth. We must give “careful Instruction!”
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