READ: 1 Timothy 4:1-7
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” – 2 Timothy 4:3
The Great Commission is a commission to give sound doctrine. Sound doctrine speaks of things that are based on the Word.…thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 1 Timothy 4:6
A lot of preaching is not sound. False teachers look just like good teachers. False teachers are real; otherwise they would not be mentioned in the Bible. Do you know any false teachers? There are a lot of them around today. Stay with sound preaching and avoid false teachers. Will you obey?
The Great Commission is also a commission to endure afflictions. Paul gives a commission to endure afflictions and sufferings. The apostle Paul, in his last words to Timothy, asked him to endure difficulties, afflictions and sufferings. He did not tell him to enjoy a good life, pleasant times, pleasant days, nice experiences and nice conferences. He warned him to endure and go through sufferings that he was destined to go through. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5
Unfortunately, the concepts of sacrifice, suffering and losing have been thrown out of the church today. Church planting will involve affliction and suffering. Church planting may involve sleeping on the floor for one year. Church planting may involve living in difficult towns and villages. Soul winning may involve risking your life to preach the gospel. Will you obey?