Hold Fast

In 2 Timothy 1:13, Paul writes, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” In other words, pay attention to the doctrine I have taught you. Be loyal to God’s word. Guard these principles. Paul is warning Timothy to stand firm. Paul continues to impress the importance of faithfulness to God’s word in 2 Timothy 2:2-3 “And the things you have heard from me among many witnesses commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You, therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Paul is saying, “Don’t just hold fast to what you’ve learned, entrust it to faithful men who will teach others.” The message of God’s word is so precious and so important men and women are willing to endure hardship to see the Gospel message spread. Why are those who preach and teach the Gospel so willing to face hardship? Because the only answer for this broken world is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest lies that the devil has deceived our culture into believing is that God’s word is irrelevant today. But nothing that God’s word addresses has changed. God’s nature is eternal and unchanging. Malachi 3:6 tells us, “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore, you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” The sinful nature of man hasn’t changed. If it had, we would have power and control outside of Christ to resist sin. James makes it clear that our ability to resist sin is found in our submission to God and not in our strength. James 4:7 says, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” But the devil is a liar and crafty. He has done an excellent job of deterring us from these two truths. But we are not blameless either. Culture has systematically worked to remove the influence of God’s word. Therefore, Paul’s instructions are just as crucial for us today as they were for Timothy and the church of Paul’s day.

In the face of the growing influence of sin and the evil of culture, Paul's instructions are crucial so we might resist the enemy and be effective for God’s Kingdom. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be passive in my walk. I want to work every day for the Kingdom of God.

Pastor Amber Clendenin