Or, “teaching,” which forms the foundation and framework of all genuine Christian experience. Doctrines constitute the facts about God and His program; they are the minister’s only weapon against error, his only handbook for right living (see on ch. 3:16).

 Gr. makrothumia, “endurance,” “patience” (see ch. 3:10). For the verb form of the word see on James 5:7. Every phase of the minister’s task, whether reproving, rebuking, or exhorting, should be clothed with the grace of patience and compassion. Severe, cold condemnation will never bring sinners to Christ.

Gr. parakaleō, “to call to the side of,” “to encourage” (see on Matt 5:4). Only the Word can adequately urge and encourage flagging hearts and weary feet.

Or, “censure.” Flagrant sin demands stern censure, and the church’s duty consists in revealing God’s position regarding sin. The sin must be rebuked, the sinner loved. The Word is the standard by which censure is to be administered.

 Gr. elegchō, “to convict,” that is, with sufficient proof (see on John 8:46; 1 Tim. 5:20). For the noun form elegmos see on 2 Tim. 3:16. Every man should be warned of his sins, but the warning must be based on irrefutable evidence from God’s Word.

That is, whether preaching is convenient or inconvenient.

The gospel is always needed whether men realize it or not.

Gr. ephistēmi, “to stand by,” “to be ready.”

 That is, “the word of God” (ch. 2:9), “the word of truth” (v. 15). Christ’s method of communicating the truth constitutes the pattern for every Christian. Christ concentrated on revealing the truth; He refused to waste time either in discussing erroneous theories or in refuting their proponents. Jesus emphasized the practical duties that touched the life experiences of His hearers. He wanted men to be strengthened for the daily requirements of life. Consequently, He did not preach fanciful doctrines or sensational suppositions designed to gratify the curious or to establish His own prestige with the fickle crowd. So, today, ministers are not to include mere human traditions and opinions in their sermons. Only the Word is adequate to meet the needs of sin-weakened men and women. Pleasing stories, which merely attract attention and create a laugh, are incompatible with the sober responsibility of a minister professing to represent Christ.

 The expression “preach the word” suggests content designed to aid men and women in meeting temptation and in solving life’s problems day by day. This command bars all levity, all fanciful interpretations based on inaccurate exegesis, and all trifling subjects. The Holy Spirit will cooperate with the minister’s efforts only when truth is being communicated. As a “herald” for God the minister must preach nothing but the Word, otherwise he is an impostor (see on ch. 3:13).

 When ministers today realize their mission as living links between the infinite sufficiency of God and the needs of men, their messages will consists only of the pure Bread of Life (see John 6:51, 63). Their sermons will be constructed in such a way that their hearers will not only be pleased with the presentation but will also be constrained to remember the principle of truth set forth. The genuine Word will build new habits and create new aspirations and hopes.

 Gr. kērussō, “to herald.” For the noun form kērux see on 1 Tim. 2:7. Here begins Paul’s list of duties that he earnestly charges Timothy to perform (2 Tim. 4:1).