Living Out the Call to Share the Gospel, No Matter the Circumstances
Introduction
There’s a powerful verse tucked into Paul’s second letter to Timothy that speaks right to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. It says, “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) Even though these words were written centuries ago, they still have a lot to say to us today. Whether you’re in a church leadership role or simply trying to live out your faith in everyday life, this command challenges us to make sharing the Gospel a priority—not just when it’s easy, but all the time.
What Does ‘In Season and Out of Season’ Mean?
At first glance, “in season and out of season” might sound a bit mysterious. But it’s really about being ready to share the message of Jesus whether the timing feels right or not. “In season” refers to those moments when everything seems to line up—when people are open, conversations flow naturally, and sharing your faith feels comfortable. Think of times when a friend asks you about church, or someone is going through a tough patch and is eager to hear about hope.
But “out of season” is the opposite. It’s when things aren’t so smooth—when people seem uninterested, distracted, or even hostile toward faith. Maybe you’re tired, busy, or unsure how your words will be received. Paul’s instruction is clear: we are called to share the Gospel both when it’s convenient and when it’s not.
Paul’s Context and Charge to Timothy
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a young leader, at a time when the early church faced all kinds of challenges. Paul himself was nearing the end of his life and wanted to make sure Timothy—and all believers—understood how urgent and important it is to keep sharing the good news of Jesus. This wasn’t just a suggestion; it was a charge to keep going, even when things got tough.
Paul knew that there would be times when people didn’t want to listen, when opposition was strong, and when believers might feel discouraged. Still, he insisted that the message of Jesus must keep going out. This urgency wasn’t just for Timothy, but for every Christian who would read these words in the years to come.
How to Preach: Correcting, Rebuking, Encouraging—with Patience
When Paul says to “preach the word,” he doesn’t mean just talking at people. He goes on to say that we should correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. This means sometimes helping someone see where they’ve wandered off course, sometimes warning them about harmful choices, and other times offering gentle encouragement and hope.
But Paul adds an important qualifier: patience. Sharing the Gospel isn’t about arguing or forcing change. It’s about walking alongside people, answering questions, and letting God work in their hearts. We’re called to be accurate and trustworthy with what we share—making sure our words line up with sound doctrine, the true message of Jesus.
Continuous Evangelism: Everyday Opportunities and Readiness
Preaching isn’t just for Sunday services or special events. Paul’s command is about being ready at all times. This could mean talking to a neighbor, sharing a kind word at work, or simply living in a way that reflects Jesus to those around you. The opportunities to share your faith can pop up anywhere, and we don’t always get a heads-up.
Being “ready” means keeping your heart open for these moments, so you can offer hope, truth, and encouragement whenever the opportunity comes—whether the ground feels fertile or rocky.
Practical Application: Living This Out
- Start with prayer: Ask God to help you recognize opportunities to share His love, and give you the courage to speak up—even when it feels hard.
- Be patient: Not everyone will be eager to hear about Jesus. That’s okay. Keep showing kindness and wait for God to work.
- Know what you believe: Spend time in Scripture so you can share the Gospel accurately and confidently.
- Encourage others: Sometimes, a simple word of encouragement can open someone’s heart to the message of hope.
- Don’t give up: Just because it’s “out of season” doesn’t mean it’s not worth sharing. You never know how God might use your words.
Conclusion
Paul’s challenge to Timothy is a challenge for us, too. Sharing the Gospel isn’t just for the easy times or when we feel ready—it’s an ongoing responsibility for every believer. Whether you’re facing friendly faces or skeptical ones, the call stays the same: preach the word, be ready, and do it all with patience and love. Let’s make it our goal to prioritize the Gospel, trusting that God will use our efforts “in season and out of season.”
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 