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"Hold fast the pattern of sound words..."

Text: 2 Timothy 1:13

HOLDING FAST

Suffering for the Lord is certainly not easy. However the stout-hearted will seek to hold fast to his faith even if suffering has to be endured.

“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

1. “Hold fast the pattern of sound words”

a) The focus begins with understanding what has been taught.

i) The teachings of the apostle Paul were indeed “sound words”.

ii) These teachings were revealed by the Lord to the apostle Paul.

b) The teachings were “a pattern”.

i) The teachings of the Lord were not just platitudes.

ii) They formed a theological whole.

iii) These teachings were a pattern for faith and life.

c) These teachings must be held fast.

i) There must be no compromise of the truth.

ii) There must be strength of conviction.

iii) There must be the ability to be true and steadfast to the faith.

2. “Which you have heard from me”

a) Paul had personally discipled Timothy.

b) He had coached Timothy to become a trusted and capable servant of God.

c) Timothy had heard from Paul first-hand the great teachings of Christianity.

3. “In faith and love which are in Christ Jesus”

a) There was no mistaking the centrality of the Lord Jesus Christ in Paul’s Teachings.

b) “In faith and love”

i) The teachings were never just words.

ii) Timothy could see how Paul held fast to his own teachings.

iii) There was deep faith and love evidenced.

iv) Holding fast is not just a mental exercise; it must stem from faith and love.