“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).
There are several ways to understand and apply Paul the Apostle’s counsel to Timothy from this passage: “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.”
Paul first reminded Timothy of the value associated with the teaching he received: “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me…” These spiritual truths were not to be handled loosely or carried in a manner that might permit them to be lost or stolen. Instead, Timothy was responsible to “Hold firmly to the true words that I taught you…” (GNT). In like manner, we should hold fast to the teachings of the Scriptures by reading God’s Word each day and seeking His help as we apply those teachings in our lives.
This passage should also encourage us to personalize the Scriptures in adapting to the variables of life. For example, Paul did not instruct Timothy to replicate his messages in exact detail. Instead, Paul asked Timothy to adapt or pattern his life and ministry after the things he learned. This approach offered two benefits. First, it helped provide others with a living example of good spiritual doctrine. Next, it enabled Timothy to relate that doctrine to others on an individual level. It also followed Paul’s own model of personal interaction: “…I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (see 1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
We should also note the reference to the “…faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (emphasis added). While many spiritual teachings seem beneficial, they may not originate “in Christ Jesus.” It helps to remember that the Bible is ultimately a book about Christ and any spiritual teaching that purports to help others must find its origin “in Christ.”
Finally, we should also observe the mention of “That good thing which was committed to you” within this passage. As one commentator observes in a highly personal and sobering reminder, “There is a day coming, when our souls will be inquired after. Thou hadst a soul committed to thee; how was it employed? in the service of sin, or in the service of Christ?” (1) This should cause us to prayerfully consider the good things that God has committed to our trust and ensure that we are handling those things in an appropriate, God-honoring manner.
(1) Henry, Matthew. “Concise Commentary on 1 Timothy 6”. “Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/mhn/2-timothy-1.html 1706.