Be Steadfast! Part 2 – 2 Timothy 1:13-18

The Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy to be faithful in a number of key areas. In this lesson we look at the exhortation to be faithful to sound words and faithful to God’s servant. 

Faithfulness to Sound words (Vs. 13-14)

The Pattern of Truth (Vs. 13)

1. ‘form’ = a pattern, outline, model. Root word ‘tupos’ meant a blow. It was used of the beat of horse’s hoofs; the impression left by a seal, an engraved mark; hence, a pattern, a model. The word speaks of a pattern by which one can maintain the sameness of a thing. The N.T. doctrinal standard by which teaching is to be tried and tested.
2. ‘sound’ = literally means “healthful”. Pure doctrine is spiritually beneficial to the believer. False doctrine is like a disease (2:17)
3. ‘words’ = the truth of God’s Word is communicated in ‘words’ (Matt. 4:4). Note: This is why the modern versions omission of thousands of words and dynamic equivalency method of translation are so damnable. Example: The NIV removes the Saviour’s name 178 times – “Lord” 39 times, “Christ” 52 times, and “Jesus” 87 times from the KJV N.T. (Keith Piper)
4. “which thou hast heard of me” = the source of these sound words – Paul (Apostolic truth).
5. “in faith and love” = the truth is to be accepted by faith (Heb. 11:3). Love will drive me to maintain a strong grip on the truth (Ps. 119:127) and to communicate it in love (Eph. 4:14-15)

The Protection of Truth (Vs. 14)

1. “committed unto thee” = Paul had been entrusted with the truth (1 Tim. 1:11) and he in turn had entrusted it to Timothy (1 Tim. 6:20) who was to then transmit it to faithful men (2:2).
2. ‘keep’ = to guard, protect. Timothy is to defend the truth (Jude 1:3)
3. “by the Holy Ghost” = the power to defend the truth comes from God. Note: With each of these commands, the Apostle points Timothy to the Lord as the source of his strength to obey them.

Faithfulness to God’s Servant (Vs. 15-18)

The Deserters of God’s servant (Vs. 15)

1. ‘all’ = reveals the scale of the defection from the Apostle. Incredulous since humanly speaking, they owed their salvation to his faithful labors in the region.
2. ‘Asia’ = Asia Minor, a Roman province at the time. Same area as modern-day Turkey.
3. “turned away” = Could indicate apostasy or more likely, a desertion of the Apostle Paul in his hour of reproach and trial. Same word translated “turn away from” in Heb. 12:25. Same word used in 4:4 to describe those who turn away their ears from the truth.
4. “Phygellus and Hermogenes” = Paul named names in His Epistles! These men were obviously known to Timothy who was ministering in Asia Minor (Ephesus) at this time. The were likely church leaders who refused to stand with Paul in his hour of need.
5. Note: It is all too easy to forsake the preacher when he is under fire for standing for the truth, to stand aloof so as not to share in his reproach.

The Devoted to God’s servant (Vs. 16-18)

1. Paul’s prayer for the family of Onesiphorus (16a). Paul desires God’s favor and blessing to be upon this family for their faithful support of him. He recognizes that the burden was shared not only by Onesiphorus but also his whole family.
2. Paul’s remembrance of the ministry of Onesiphorus (16b-17)
   1. The name ‘Onesiphorus’ literally means “the help or profit bringer”
   2. ‘oft’ = Onesiphorus was not a one hit wonder! His support was constant and regular.
   3. “refreshed me” = to cool again, to cool off. The support of Onesiphorus was like cool water to a thirsty soul; it was like a breath of fresh air.
   4. “not ashamed of my chain” = Onesiphorus was a living example of the command in Vs. 8 – “Be not thou therefore ashamed…of me his prisoner.”

Conclusion

Are we being steadfast and faithful in these areas? Are we using our gifts for the Lord? Are we enduring afflictions with God’s power? Are we standing for the Word of God? Are we supporting God’s men in the ministry?

Sermon 3 of 13 in 2 Timothy Series

Sermon Audio Id: 623181831542