the apostle.  "Be diligent", "study", "be instant", "make full proof" are so many

indications of the apostle's concern for his son in the faith. There is still the same need

to-day for the exhortation. Hands grow slack, the best grow weary in well doing, loins

need to be girt, shoes should be on the feet, the whole armour of God put on, and a

vigilant watch maintained. We should remind ourselves that "the time is short", that our

lamps should be trimmed, that our attitude should be that of those who wait for their Lord

and desire to be found "occupying" until He shall come.

The need for instancy in Timothy's ministry is further revealed by the words that

follow, "in season, out of season" (4: 2). The absence of the conjunction "and" is

suggestive, as though while it will always be "seasonable" for the preacher, it may be

expected that the attitude of Felix, when he said "at some more convenient season" will

be the attitude of the hearer in general.

It is a moot point among believers how far zeal for the witness of the Word justifies

the invasion of the ordinary man's privacy. Some there are who have no compunction in

monopolizing the attention of a whole railway carriage full of passengers, whether they

desire to hear the gospel or no. Others feel that to act in that manner is tantamount to

stealing the privilege and privacy for which the passenger has paid. Doubtless there is

something to be said for both attitudes and each one must be fully persuaded in his own

mind.  There can be no two opinions, however, about the readiness that should

characterize the preacher, a readiness that sets aside all personal convenience, even as the

Medical man responds to the mid-night call, though his own convenience has to be set

Timothy's urgent ministry of the Word was threefold. "Reprove, rebuke, exhort with

all longsuffering and doctrine" (4: 2). It is evident that this looks back to the close of the

previous chapter, where the Inspired Scriptures were said to be profitable "for doctrine,

for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (3: 16).

The structure given in Volume XXXVI, p.169 shows that the word "season" of

verse 2, is repeated in verse 3, where the A.V. translated the same original word "time".

Here, therefore, is the apostle's own explanation of the words "in season, out of

season", it is that this urgency, this buying up of opportunity, is the more needful,

because the season was approaching when the Word would be refused and distorted.

This intolerance of sound doctrine will be manifested in the last days of this

dispensation in a special way:

We have already touched upon the meaning of "lust" here, when dealing with

II Tim. 3: 6, which the reader should consult if uncertain, and as space is limited we