"With all longsuffering and teaching."
Text: 2 Timothy 4:2
THE MANNER OF MINISTRY
There was no mistaking the tone the Apostle Paul adopted as he wrote to Timothy of the need to give great priority to the ministry of preaching the Word of God. He went further and urged Timothy to also consider the manner in which he should preach the Word.
“With all longsuffering and teaching.”
2 Timothy 4:2
1. “With”
a) The preposition employed focuses on “the means”.
b) Preaching is vital.
c) But so are the means by which preaching is practised.
2. “All”
a) The adjective “all” is not without significance.
b) It was used as an added emphasis.
3. “Longsuffering”
a) The key idea is “patience”.
b) Other nuances:
i) Waiting upon the Lord patiently.
ii) Trusting in the Lord’s time as to when He will answer.
4. “All longsuffering”
a) Great patience is meant.
b) The ministry of preaching does not yield instant results.
c) It takes much patience before the word of God preached bears fruit.
d) There must be on-going exercise of great patience.
5. “And teaching”
a) The word “teaching” is an important added detail.
b) Teaching reinforces the ministry of preaching.
c) This may be done in a number of ways.
d) In-depth teaching will enhance the ministry of preaching significantly.