Be an Active Lifesaver in the Ocean of Life

Posted On October 31, 2023

Life is cruel – some would say. Life is unfair – others would say. Life is a blessing – will be resounded by yet another group. Why all these different perspectives and takes on life? Some are drowning in the ocean of life having fallen in a pit of depression and confusion. Others are riding the waves, yet others are like Scripture says – being tossed to and fro.

I want to take you to 2 timothy 4:1-5. In this passage Paul Charges Timothy to endure shepherding the church and preaching the truth in the midst of a coming apostasy. To sum it up, Paul asks Timothy to be a lifesaving truth preacher in a tsunami of lies and deception. On this note, I would like to make a call to everyone saying they serve the Lord, we as the Church, as the Body of Christ, should make an unwavering decision to hold fast to the truth and to preach the truth no matter the cost, even when faced with dire consequences.

We need to be willing to preach in all seasons and walks of life in order to truly make a difference for the Kingdom of God. We need to save lives in the ocean of life. Please bear in mind that Jesus called everyone to spread the Gospel in the Great Commission, so don’t see preaching and telling the truth as the job of a preacher alone. Anyone who says they love God, has a truth-bearing responsibility. There are three points in 2 Timothy 4:1-5 that I want to expound on:

Point 1

Preaching the truth is of utmost importance

1. Firstly, because Jesus will judge all people at His coming (2 Timothy 4:1), and as we see in John 5:27 that He has been given the authority to judge. What better reason, to preach the truth, then knowing it can save someone from damnation.
2. Secondly, there will be a great apostasy (a falling away) of believers and it is our responsibility to help as much as we can.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Point 2

Preaching the truth must meet certain standards (2 Tim 4:2)

1. Paul says to Timothy to preach “in season” and “out of season”, meaning it cannot be bound to the correct timing, atmosphere or so called platform. We must be willing to preach the truth whether people want to listen or not.
2. Through preaching, Timothy must correct, put in place and encourage the believers. The immense meaning of this must play a vital role in our daily lives. Preaching and the truth of the Word of God must be used in all aspects of our lives.
3. Preaching must be completely Biblically based (doctrine), which is a crucial standard. Just look at the importance in the following verses:

2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

Titus 2:1

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Let’s take a look at the following illustration:

See yourself as a pipe and the Doctrine of Christ as a light (torch) shining through the pipe. If we are willing vessels fit unto God’s honour we will canalize that light to the specific target directed by God, but if we even slightly change our alignment of the truth in our lives that light will shine and be absorbed into the side of the pipe not having the influence it is supposed to. So let’s keep ourselves aligned with the Biblical doctrine and not with deception of this world.

Point 3

Preaching the truth REGARDLESS

Ephesians 4:14

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

1. Preach with longsuffering (2 Tim 4:2)
2. Be watchful while preaching about the truth, as well as the needs of the people listening (2 Tim 4:5)
3. Endure preaching the truth even though you could be the only one standing for it (2 Tim 4:5)
4. Preach the truth to the best of your ability (2 Tim 4:5)

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Like Paul charged Timothy to preach the truth, Our prayer must be that we make ourselves available to be used by God, in order to save lives by His power – REGARDLESS.