Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Judgment is coming—so get on with your work

4 This is my solemn charge to you, in the presence of God and Messiah Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearance and his kingdom: ² announce the word; keep going whether the time is right or wrong; rebuke, warn and encourage with all patience and explanation. ³ The time is coming, you see, when people won’t tolerate healthy teaching. Their ears will start to itch, and they will collect for themselves teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. ⁴ They will turn away from listening to the truth and will go after myths instead. ⁵ But as for you, keep your balance in everything! Put up with suffering; do the work of an evangelist; complete the particular task assigned to you.