OUTLINE:

“For everything there is a season”
The Bible teaches us to think about life from God’s perspective - that is, that He is in control, implying we are not. God already knows the end from the beginning. What will be, will be!

The Time For Truth
The time for affirming and defending the Word of Truth is always. While people’s attitude towards truth is “seasonal” (ala 2Ti 4:2), standing up for it is something we are commanded to do, regardless of circumstances or timing.

“be ready”
ephistemi - to set upon, set up, to stand upon, be present; in context, the active voice, imperative mood means that it is a command to be personally obeyed

God Owns Our Success
God never asks His children to do something without first equipping them for success, by grace. Our job is to humbly submit to Him.

God Owns Our Success
God’s word never comes up shy of its purpose (Is 55:11). This means that when the Word is implanted into our soul, it is guaranteed to be effective. Because of this fact, we are held personally responsible to the Truth (Lk 12:48).

The General Truth About Demands
The Bible is chock full of demands that are literally impossible for man to obey without the help of the One making them. While this seems paradoxical, it is nothing less than God’s grace. God is merely looking for willingness/humility in a man.

By Grace...
When God demands something of us, He does so in light of His ever-present grace. He knows (sometimes we forget) that it is impossible for mere “vessels of mercy” (Ro 9:23) to bear fruit worthy of His glory by themselves. So, He enables us.

The Blessing of Obedience
When we obey God, we are blessed; not just because it is pleasing to Him (it is), but also that our lives are oriented to His perfect plan. Obedience has the effect of reducing the friction between our conscience and our lifestyles.

Deu 31:6
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

2Ti 4:2 [Amplified]
preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching.

Where, fundamentally, do we derive our confidence in our lives?

Deu 30:19
“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live…

Whom do we fear?

Pr 14:26-27 [Amplified]
In the [reverent] fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will [always] have a place of refuge. The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.

Arrogance and fear of the Lord are antithetical.

Pr 14:26-27 [Amplified]
In the [reverent] fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will [always] have a place of refuge. The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that leads to obedience and worship] is a fountain of life, so that one may avoid the snares of death.