Why are church
leaders silent and not speaking out against domestic violence? Is it fear that makes them mute, or are they ill equipped to
handle such volatile situations? If it is fear that causes a blind eye, and a deaf ear, what is the foundation of the
fear? Are preachers afraid of not having the right words to impart to the abused? Or are they afraid of the abusers themselves?
In either case, preachers are entrusted with the very words that
God Himself has spoken. The Apostle Paul admonishes Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:1 to “preach the word.” He says this:
“I
solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His
appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience
and instruction.”
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The charge: “preach the word; be ready in season and out
of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.”
What does this mean? Preaching is a minister’s business.
They are not to preach notions or fancies of their own minds, rather, the pure, undiluted, plain word of God. They must tell
people of their faults, being blameless themselves, and bring those at fault to repentance. This charge involves
encouraging the flock with great patience and careful instruction. As God deals with us with great patience, so should our
church leaders, teaching from a rational mind with careful instruction.
I pray that church leaders will take heed to this charge,
fear no man, reprove, rebuke, and exhort and so fulfill their ministry unto God and our Lord. This charge
was given to Timothy in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who are ever present in the affairs of mankind. Timothy is
reminded that Jesus Christ will someday judge both the living and the dead.
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As we survey Christianity today, we can see that people no longer
endure sound doctrine:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own
desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Even so, what is the charge? “Preach the word!” If
only preachers would “Preach the word!” The power of the pure gospel would change lives, and mend our broken homes.
We need church leaders who have renewed their vow of courage to “Preach the word!” Even if their church members
who cannot endure “sound doctrine” leave their congregation, so be it. God will replace them with those who are
crying out for truth.
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"Preach the word" my Brothers! Call domestic violence what God
calls it, SIN! Preach repentance of this awful wrong, and encourage the abusers to see the error of their
ways. Help the violent through the preaching of sound doctrine to renew their minds and hearts towards their
loved ones.
Oh Lord, let the brave Timothy’s of today stand up and “Preach
the word!” Help them to “fight the good fight”, “finish the course,” and "keep the faith".
The Glory is yours Father, Amen.
"THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT
BE AFRAID.
WHAT WILL
MAN DO TO ME?"
Hebrews 13:6
