Jesus once told a Jewish leader, Nicodemus, that the Holy Spirit blows where he wills. Church history has confirmed that assertion. Revivals come and go, passing as unexpectedly as they arrived. Anyone who's been around for a while knows that churches have 'seasons.' There seems to be no rhyme nor reason other than the sovereign blowing of the Spirit.

In Paul's final letter to young Timothy, Paul urges him to "preach the word" and to be ready both "in season and out of season" (2 Tim 4:2). He explains that Timothy (who may have been in Ephesus for at least 5 years by now) has a responsibility to bring the gospel Word to bear on the lives of his hearers. Paul predicts resistance and indifference to truth (cf. vv.3-4). Yet that hardness is the very context into which the gospel must be preached relentlessly.

Many of us in Western Europe can relate to resistance, though we labour in a continent that was once fruitful. Out of this soil grew the mighty gospel movement of the Reformation. The Spirit has moved in significant ways in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Society has been impacted by the gospel in the areas of health care, education, prison reform and of course slavery. The Word has been preached in Western Europe for centuries, and for much of that time it has proved to be gospel preaching 'in season' because it has produced a rich harvest.

But what should we do when the soil is hard and unyielding?

The first thing to notice from Paul's words is that Timothy has work to do. He cannot be a victim of seasonal change. He must resist becoming passive and resigning himself to his predicament. He still must 'preach the Word' - whatever the reaction. So the first thing we should remember 'out of season' is faithfulness. As gospel ministers, we have been given a job to do. God expects and equips us to do that job whatever comes our way. We cannot give up, acquiesce or concede. We simply must be faithful to keep proclaiming the Word and applying the truth to people’s hearts and lives.

There is much more to be said, but this is the place to start. May we be given grace to hear the call to faithfulness. May we  also work together, strengthening and encouraging one another in faithfulness to this gospel task.

Part 2 HERE