Hold Fast the Pattern of Sound Words

by Mitchell Tan
June 30, 2017

THE CHALLENGE TO HOLD FAST TO SOUND WORDS

The doctrines taught by Paul were truly worth holding fast to. The challenge for Timothy as he faced the difficulties of ministry was to hold firm to these sound teachings from the word of God. He was not to depart from them as was the case of some (1 Timothy 6:3).

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
2 Timothy 1:13

Timothy was meant to hold fast to the things that he had learnt. He was to vigorously remember and retain these sound words and to possess them as part of his life. The word “pattern” has the idea of “standard”. Paul had established the standard of sound words that Timothy was to hold fast to. These teachings were true and wholesome words.

1. IN THE MANNER OF FAITH AND LOVE

Paul taught these sound words to Timothy in faith and in love for him. He believed in Timothy and loved him as his spiritual son according to truth.

2. IN CHRIST JESUS

Faith and love were the things that the Lord Jesus showed to Paul when he became a pattern for others to follow (1 Timothy 1:14). Abundant grace was shown to him as he was saved and transformed by the Lord. In a similar way, Paul taught Timothy with faith and love that he may be deeply challenged to hold fast to these truths taught to him.

GUARDING THE SOUND WORDS BY THE HOLY SPIRIT

“That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.”
2 Timothy 1:14

1. BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SOUND WORDS

The “good thing” is a reference to the sound words that had been given to Timothy. They were specially entrusted to him. He was meant to be responsible and accountable in how he kept them.

2. GUARDING IT THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Timothy was meant to guard the good teachings with all his heart and soul. However, he could not do this by his own abilities. He needed to rely on the Spirit of God to help him. The Spirit of God who indwells us at the point of salvation is always there to help.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
John 14:26

The Holy Spirit is our helper. He can teach us the truths of the word of God and bring them to our remembrance. He can aid us in guarding and keeping these sound words.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

In this day and age, where many fall away from the truth and turn to false teachings, let’s be challenged to not go that way. Let’s learn to hold fast the sound words that have been taught to us by the Pastors and teachers of Bethany. Let’s seek to guard them by relying on the Spirit of God to guide and help us.

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