HOLD FAST THE WORD OF LIFE (6)

“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

Paul left for Timothy, his son in the faith, a legacy of instructions, chief of which was to HOLD FAST the WORD of LIFE: “HOLD FAST the PATTERN of SOUND WORDS which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That GOOD THING which was committed to you, KEEP by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” (2 Tim.1:13-14). Paul encouraged Timothy to be bold and protective of his faith, emphasizing how his background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against trying times (vv.3-5). Paul asked that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the Gospel, for which purpose, the Spirit of God grants believers power, love and sound mind (vv.6-9). He was exhorted to hold to accurate, healthy Christian teachings – to remain Faithful to the Truth!

The notion of “sound words” or "sound doctrine" was important to Paul: “HOLDING FAST the FAITHFUL WORD as he has been taught…But as for you, speak he things that are proper for SOUND DOCTRINE” (Tit.1:9; 2:1). He also mentioned it in 1 Timothy 1:9-10, “Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person…for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to SOUND DOCTRINE.” These scriptures show an intricate link between sound doctrine and practical righteousness. The concept of "soundness" comes through the Greek root word hugiaino, which refers to "health, safety, or wholesomeness." The term was used here as a metaphor for accuracy, truth, and benefit. In other words, "sound doctrine" is God's revealed truth, not flawed human opinions.

The “pattern of sound words” refers to the form of accurate, right, and true teachings that Paul had passed on to Timothy. Paul used a similar reference in 1 Timothy 6:3: “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to WHOLESOME WORDS, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness.” Faithful believers are cautioned to withdraw from such a person (1Tim.6:5). The second half of the verse reminds us that doctrine is not merely meant to increase our knowledge; it is meant to transform our behavior and conduct. A person who cares about accurate, faithful understanding of the gospel will seek to live by the faith and love offered by Jesus.

Timothy was not meant to merely study God's truth and ignore its implications, but to be a hearer and DOER of the Word (Jam.1:22-25). He was to care about both his life and teaching: “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. TAKE HEED to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:15–16). To HOLD FAST the Word is to TAKE HEED to the teachings of Christ. However, much of what Timothy learned were directly from Paul rather than through Scripture. While Scripture is the source of sound doctrine, much weight was given in this letter to the importance of personally training others. Sound doctrine cannot survive unless it is understood, and then passed along to others (2 Tim. 2:2).

Paul and Timothy had encountered “that good thing” called the WORD of LIFE – the Faithful Word. And here, the mentor was encouraging the mentee to “KEEP” this Treasure by the indwelling Holy Spirit (v.14). This was the same treasure that Mary embraced when Jesus visited their home: “But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen “THAT GOOD PART, which will not be taken away from her” (Lk.10:42).

Finally, Paul referred to ministry partners who had supported – or abandoned – him. Phygellus and Hermogenes were among those who had “turned away” and didn’t hold fast (v.15); whereas Onesiphorus refreshed the apostle and identified with him in his trials (vv.17-18). May we be counted and listed eternally among Believers in Christ that “hold fast the pattern of sound words…in faith and love which are in Christ”!