2 Timothy 4:5 5But you, be self-controlled in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Paul calls Timothy to follow a different path in his ministry. Timothy’s teaching and lifestyle should be different than the false teachers because he follows the truth of the gospel. Paul gives four more qualities for Timothy to develop. First, he must be self-disciplined and think clearly in all things. The word used here is literally “sober” but has more of a figurative sense of controlling oneself and being clear headed. A leader must think clearly and critically about all matters in order to be discerning of truth and how to apply it.
Second, Timothy must endure hardship like Paul (3:10-11; 4:6-8), who found his strength in Christ (Philippians 4:13). All Christians should expect some degree of suffering because of our identification with Jesus. As we let our light shine into the darkness, like Jesus did, we should expect the darkness and all who embrace it, to reject us. Ministry leadership, in particular, is not easy, especially when dealing with people. Enduring suffering will lead to eternal life (1 Peter 1:3-9).
Third, Paul charges Timothy to do the work of an evangelist. The word used here shares the same root at “gospel.” Timothy needed to preach the good news faithfully and accurately so people would be drawn to faith in Christ. There are so-called “evangelists” today who preach about interesting ideas but neglect the most important truth. Evangelism is all about bringing people to Christ.
Finally, Timothy must fulfill his ministry by continuing the evangelistic efforts Paul had started. Fulfill means to complete what was started. Ministries (diakonian) is used in the New Testament for service to others and God. The particular focus of Timothy’s ministry must be to preach the words about Christ. An interesting trend in some parts of the world today is that people say they have a call to ministry but then do not preach the gospel. There are many forms of ministry, and every call is unique to a person. But a call to ministry is more than singing songs or planning activities. At the heart of all Christian ministry must be the proclamation of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Being a minister of the gospel does not always mean standing behind a pulpit giving a sermon. But it does require that our words and deeds point people to Christ.
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