Pastor Lazarus Muoka, in a recent message, calls on believers to heed the biblical command to preach the word of God at all times, drawing from 2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV): “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
The World's Greatest Need
The world today is filled with many voices, including human wisdom, worldly philosophies, and motivational speeches. Yet, the greatest need of this generation is the undiluted word of God. Souls are dying daily, sin is increasing, and righteousness is mocked. In this dangerous hour, God's command remains unchanged: “Preach the word.”
The Charge to Timothy
Paul gave this solemn charge to Timothy as a dying apostle speaking to a young minister. He knew persecution would arise and false teachers would increase. Yet, he did not tell Timothy to adjust the message to please people or soften the truth for popularity. Instead, he commanded him to preach the word in and out of season.
In Season and Out of Season
To preach in season means to preach when it is convenient, when people are willing to hear, and when doors are open. To preach out of season means to continue even when it is inconvenient, when people reject the message, and when society opposes the truth. God is looking for servants who remain faithful whether applauded or rejected.
The Great Commission for All Believers
Jesus gave the commission before His ascension: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). This command is not only for pastors or evangelists; every child of God is called to be a witness. A believer who refuses to preach the gospel is disobeying heaven's heartbeat. Many today are ashamed to preach openly due to fear of rejection or persecution, but the apostles never allowed fear to silence them. They preached in prisons, marketplaces, and before kings despite threats and beatings (Acts 5:42).
The Danger of Silence
The early church understood that souls are precious and that heaven and hell are real. Sadly, many believers today discuss business, fashion, and sports freely but become silent about Christ. This ought not to be. The world may reject the message, but the truth must still be preached. Noah preached righteousness in a corrupt generation, Jeremiah preached despite rejection, and John the Baptist lost his life for truth. True servants of God preach regardless of the season.
The Itching Ears Prophecy
Paul warned Timothy about a time when people would not endure sound doctrine but would heap to themselves teachers with itching ears, turning from truth to fables (2 Timothy 4:3-4). We live in those days. Many prefer sermons that make them comfortable in rebellion, rejecting messages that convict of sin. But a true preacher cannot dilute the truth. The gospel is a message of repentance, as preached by Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul (Luke 13:3).
The Power of God's Word
God's word is powerful to convict, transform, and save souls. Hebrews 4:12 declares it is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword.” No motivational speech can replace the power of God's word. Only the gospel can break the chains of sin. Therefore, believers must preach with boldness and compassion, combining truth and love. Paul instructed Timothy to “reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Living What You Preach
The preacher must live what he preaches. A life that contradicts the gospel weakens the message. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Your life may be the first Bible some people read. When your life reflects Christ, your message carries greater authority.
Opportunities to Preach Everywhere
Preaching is not limited to the pulpit. You can preach in your home, school, workplace, neighborhood, market, or through personal conversations. Every day presents an opportunity to point someone to Christ. The urgency is high, for time is running out. John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” Many souls are waiting for someone to tell them about Jesus. If believers remain silent, how will sinners hear? Romans 10:14 asks, “How shall they hear without a preacher?”
A Call to Action
The responsibility is enormous. We cannot afford spiritual laziness. The harvest is ripe, but many laborers are asleep. One day, every believer will stand before God to give account. Imagine arriving in heaven to discover that many around you perished without hearing the gospel from your lips. What a painful regret! We must wake up and become active witnesses. The reward for faithful preaching is glorious; those who turn many to righteousness shall shine eternally.
If you are a child of God, rise and preach the word boldly. Preach when people listen and when they refuse. Preach when comfortable and when difficult. Preach in your family, community, and everywhere God opens a door. The world is passing away, but the word of God stands forever. If you are not yet saved, the greatest sermon begins with surrendering your life to Christ. Jesus died for your sins and rose again to give you eternal life. Come to Him in genuine repentance and faith: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Testimony: Saved from Building Collapse
Sister Jovita Ibe, from Magbo Autonomous Community in Ogun State, shares a testimony of God's protection. One Wednesday, she went to her shop and displayed her wares. Suddenly, a dummy used for display fell like Dagon of the Philistines. She and her neighbor rushed out to raise it. Then she heard a voice saying, “Pack all your materials displayed outside.” She obeyed immediately, and her neighbor questioned her actions. As soon as she finished packing, she heard a sound and turned to find the building that housed their shops had collapsed. Glory be to God, nothing happened to her or her neighbor. Her wares were safe, though her neighbor's goods were affected. She thanks God for His protection and prays for the General Overseer and all Chosen members to make heaven at last. Praise the Lord!
