CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2 Timothy 1:13. Hold fast the form of sound words.—R.V. “Hold the pattern.” The word for “form” or “pattern” occurs again only 1 Timothy 1:16. “Sound words” are healthy words. Sin is a diseased state of the nature; healthy words are the outcome of a sound heart (Matthew 12:35).
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Timothy 1:13-14
Truth and the Soul.
I. That truth to be efficacious must be clearly and vividly apprehended.—“Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou has heard of me” (2 Timothy 1:13). The “form” means a pattern plainly delineated and forcibly impressed on the mind by the sound words which fell from the lips or pen of the apostle. Clearness in the mental conception of the truth is necessary in order to grasp its meaning, see its beauty, and feel its power. Loose views of truth leave the soul more exposed to the ravages of error, and to become an easy victim to false teachers.
II. That truth is efficacious when received in the exercise of faith and love.—“In faith and love which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). Faith and love are “the element in which my sound words had place, and in which thou art to have the vivid impression of them as thy inwardly delineated pattern, moulding conformably thy outward profession” (Fausset). The truth is a revelation of Christ; and in order to a saving appropriation of Christ the soul must be not only profoundly convinced that He is the truth, but also cordially embrace Him with a loving faith—a faith that works by love.
III. That truth is to be firmly held and jealously guarded.—“Hold fast the form of sound words.… That good thing which was committed unto thee keep” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Having once got the truth, never part with it. It is a goodly deposit, to be constantly fenced round with watchful care, and resolutely defended from all attacks of error. If we keep the truth, the truth will keep us. It is too precious to lose, and the pains it has cost us to acquire should teach us to value it the more. The struggle to maintain the truth may be fierce, but it is often only brief; and every triumph adds enormously to our spiritual strength. The more real truth becomes to the soul, the more firmly it is held and the more potent is its influence. Better to yield up our life than yield up the truth.
IV. That truth can be safely kept only by the aid of the indwelling Spirit.—“Keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us” (2 Timothy 1:14). The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of truth. It is He who reveals it to the soul, deposits it there as a sacred trust, makes it efficacious in renewing the whole man, uses it as a sanctifying instrument; and He only can effectually guard it from the robbers who are seeking to rifle the soul of its hallowed possession. The Spirit plays a prominent part in the ministration of the truth. This should be constantly remembered, and His Divine aid fervently invoked.
Lessons.—
1. Truth should be studiously and prayerfully sought.
2. Truth when found should be faithfully maintained.
3. The soul realises its highest happiness in the love of the truth.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2 Timothy 1:13. The Form of Sound Words.
I. There exists an infinite Being, the great first Cause, whom we call God.
II. The Holy Scriptures are the only sufficient and authorised rule of faith and practice.
III. The sufferings and death of Christ are a full atonement for the sins of mankind.
IV. Man must undergo a great moral change.
V. The soul of man is immortal.
VI. There will be the resurrection of the dead.
VII. God has appointed a day for judgment.
VIII. Do not exchange this form of sound words for the uncertainties and delusions of infidelity.
IX. Beware of error in your religious doctrines.
X. Beware of holding the truth in unrighteousness.—J. Bromley.
2 Timothy 1:14. Religion a Good Thing.
I. Committed to us as a sacred deposit.
II. Is the work of the indwelling Spirit.
III. Is to be jealously guarded.