Holding Fast Our Commitment

Temple Baptist Church - 9-1-2013

2 Timothy 1:13-14

 

Introduction:

 

A.  In our verses for tonight, we find the word “committed” used in reference to something placed into Timothy’s trust.

 

1.  Every man of God has this same “trust” that Paul refers to as a “GOOD THING!”  This “trust” is described as a “form of sound words” in verse 13.  He is to hold, read, study, live, and preach the unsearchable riches of God’s Word.

 

2.  This same “trust” is committed to each believer as well.  The Word of God is responsible to contain this “good thing.”  Every preacher is to declare this “good thing.”  Every believer is to continue in this “good thing.”  This is done through holding, hearing, studying, and doing God’s Word.

 

B.  In our day, this “good thing” is negotiable and its adherents demonized and maligned.

 

1.  Sound doctrine is rejected because it convicts the sinner and condemns the sinful.  In a day of authority breakdown, the world does not want sound doctrine because, if accepted as the Word of God, it is not arguable nor is it left up to personal choice! 

 

2.  Sound preaching is rejected because, in the eyes of the religionist—it is narrow-minded, hateful, and Pharisaical.  I pray each day that I am not one of these three.  I simply compassionately preach God’s Word as it is to men as they are.

 

Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

 

3.  Sound practice is rejected because it brings about a stark contrast between the sinner and the saint.  The unsaved referred to the followers of Christ as “Christians” because of their behavior. 

 

C.  Let us take a look at these two verses and get some help in these last days.

 

1.  The Foundation of Truth.  Psalms 11:3  If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

 

a.  Hold Fast – To adhere to.  Simply holding our King James Bible is of no real spiritual value (though I do value this Book).  We cannot “hold fast” if we do not believe it enough to adhere to it.

 

b.  Form – A Pattern, outline, or model.  This “form” circumscribes a boundary of obedience and safety in which to remain.  This “form” sets forth a path that is to be followed: which will be dealt with later.

 

c.  Sound Words – All encompassing, complete, or thorough.  The Word of God is sure!  Many do not believe it and that does not change it.  The Word of God will thoroughly furnish both the preacher and the church member.

 

2.  The Fight of Truth.  “Keep.”  Jude 3  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

 

a.  The Exhortation.  Paul was “diligent” in reminding the believers that Truth was under attack.  We need not get comfortable on the pews while Satan does his best to destroy the Truth of God’s Word.  I have no problem pointing out such devils that reject openly this Bible I hold in my hand.  Let us unashamedly do as God said, “Mark … avoid them.”

 

b.  The Contention.  “Earnestly contend” is the command given.  The Word of God is not to be half-heartedly defended.  It is to be defended intensity, graveness, seriousness, and industry!

 

c.  The Following.  “Faith and Love”  The best defense of truth is when we visually follow it.  Following shows these two things: a faith in God’s Word and a love for God’s Word.

 

Conclusion:  The message is simple: love, follow, and fight for the faith once delivered because, once it is gone, it is hard to get it back.  Things that die normally and naturally remain dead!  God will not give it again.