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Observe here, 1. A most solemn adjuration and charge given, I charge thee before God and our Lord Jesus Christ, the judge of quick and dead.
Lord! what opiate can stupify the conscience of minister, that he shall not feel the authority of such a charge, or not be awakened by such arden expressions! How can they appear before the most high and everlasting Judge? What will be a sufficient defence before his enlightened tribunal? If such in the last judgment, who neglected to feed the poor with material bread, shall be placed at Christ's left hand; how can those whose office it is to dispense spiritual bread, if they neglect to do it, escape condemnation!
Observe, 2. The subject matter of the charge to preach according to Christ's commission, Mat_28:19.
Go, preach and baptize: to preach the word, not the fancies and inventions of men, but the wholesome word of God; and the whole word of God, both law and gospel, the one to keep men from presumption, the other from despair; to be instant and active, urgent and zealous, in the discharge of his duty, in all the parts of it, in instruction, reprehension, and exhortation; and this with all long-suffering, patience, and lenity, undergoing meekly the contradiction of sinners, and the reproaches of men: and for the time to do it in season, and out of season, that is, to take all occasions, and to be thankful to God for all opportunities of preaching his word: the lazy may find a thousand excuses, but willing minds know no difficulties; they consider the price paid for souls, and the account that must be given of them.
Observe, 3. The person to whom this charge is given; to Timothy, and ordained person, one set apart for the work: this is not a work common to all, but peculiar to some; God's Timothies only , who are called and set apart by imposition of hands for the work of the ministry, must preach the word; and such ought to take all occasions, and be very instant in so doing, Necessity is laid upon us; yea, woe be unto us if we preach not the gospel. 1Co_9:16