Paul instructed the young preacher Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5). The charge that the apostle gave to him (2 Timothy 4:1-5) shows what the work of an evangelist is and why it is such an important work.
Preach the Word
Timothy’s fundamental responsibility as an evangelist was to “preach the word” (2 Timothy 4:2). If he failed to do this, he would not be doing the work of an evangelist and would not be fulfilling his ministry (2 Timothy 4:5). To be able to fulfill his work in preaching the word, he would have to “be ready.” This involved preparing oneself. Part of the Christian’s armor is the “preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15). An evangelist must be willing to work as an evangelist. Preachers who are lazy or too preoccupied with other distractions are not fulfilling their ministry as a preacher of the gospel.
Paul told Timothy not only to “be ready,” but to “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). An evangelist must be ready, willing, and able to boldly preach the gospel at all times. The message of the gospel is too important to withhold it from those who need to hear it. An evangelist must be willing to preach the word regardless of any inconvenience, disapproval, or loss of support that may result. People need to hear the gospel whether they want to hear it or not.
In preaching the word, Timothy was to “reprove, rebuke, [and] exhort” (2 Timothy 4:2). People like exhortation. They want to be encouraged and built up. But often times, they do not appreciate being reproved and rebuked for sin and error. In an effort to “please men” (Galatians 1:10), preachers sometimes avoid “negative” preaching (reprove and rebuke) and emphasize the “positive” (exhort). However, we never find the Bible classifying some teachings as “positive” and others as “negative.” Those two words cannot be found in the Bible. There is no “positive” or “negative” preaching. There is just preaching. The distinction has been concocted in the mind of man. An evangelist cannot let himself be persuaded to teach anything less than the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). To fulfill his ministry, he must preach even those things that are thought of as “negative” by others.
Doing the work of an evangelist requires “great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Patience is necessary because some are not going to be immediately open to the truth. Some do not want to hear it. Some reject it because they have heard something different all their lives. Patience is required to keep from becoming discouraged. While being patient, instruction must continue to be given. Sin and error cannot be swept under the rug, tolerated, and ignored. Evangelists must be patient as they do their work and continue to instruct people in the truth.
Why this Work is So Necessary
Paul told Timothy to “preach the word” and explained what was involved in doing that. But why is it so important for a preacher to fulfill his ministry and diligently do the work of an evangelist? Paul warned of a time that would come “when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3). Sound doctrine was what he told Timothy to preach – the complete, unadulterated gospel message. Some then, as well as today, would not want to hear that message. They want “to have their ears tickled.” That is, they want to hear what is pleasing to them. They do not want the “negative” preaching that tells them of their sin and warns them of judgment to come. They want “positive” preaching that makes them feel good about themselves and comfortable in their current state. They do not want an evangelist who is striving to fulfill his ministry.
Because of this, “they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:3). They find the “evangelists” who will bring the message that suits them. The reason why these men are able to operate and do what they are doing is because churches are providing a platform for them. Those who support such men are just as guilty as they are (2 John 11). There may be times when a congregation may have to be patient with an evangelist as he grows and matures. But if this evangelist is never ready, willing, and able to truly do the work of an evangelist and fulfill his ministry, eventually the local church who supports the preacher and the elders who oversee that group are to be held responsible for that man’s disobedience.
What kind of preaching do we want? What kind of preaching will we tolerate? We will have the type of preaching we desire. Do we desire the “whole counsel of God,” or the “good words and fair speeches” found in those who teach a “different gospel” (Romans 16:17-18; Galatians 1:6-9)? Those who do not desire one who preaches the word will find someone who preaches what they want to hear. They “turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:4). Some do not want plain Bible teaching. They want stories. What do we want? What do we demand?
Responding to the Difficulties
Because these obstacles were going to be present, Timothy had to be all the more diligent to “preach the word.” He was told to be “sober in all things” (2 Timothy 4:5). This does not just mean free from intoxication, but also meant that he was to think clearly. The gospel provides the arsenal we need in our spiritual battle. One thing this arsenal will help us do is “demolish arguments” (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). False teaching is often subtle. A clear head is needed to expose the fallacy of error.
Timothy also needed to be willing to “endure hardship” (2 Timothy 4:5). Hardship would come because some would “not endure sound doctrine.” The life of Paul shows us an example of this. Because of his preaching, Paul faced many difficult persecutions. When he wrote to Timothy here, he said, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come” (2 Timothy 4:6). Those who preach the gospel in its purity will face opposition. Those who work as evangelists need to be ready for it.
Paul concluded this charge to Timothy by saying, “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” We have already looked at what is involved in that. Those who do, or desire to do, the work of an evangelist should follow the instructions Paul gave to Timothy. The gospel needs to be preached. Some will not want to hear it and, therefore, will oppose it. We need to preach it anyway. That is basically the message of these verses. To those who are preachers, “Do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” To those who make up local churches, support men who will “preach the word.” Always seek after “sound doctrine” and demand that it be taught.
