2 Timothy 1:13 - Homilies By T. Croskery

Importance of the form of sound words.

"Hold the pattern of sound words."

I. THIS INJUNCTION IMPLIES THAT THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL HAD BEEN ALREADY MOULDED INTO A CERTAIN SHAPE OR SYSTEM WHICH WAS EASILY GRASPED BY THE POPULAR MIND . As necessity arose, there was a restatement, in a new form, of the faith once professed so as to neutralize false theories. Thus the Apostle John recast the doctrine of Christ's manifestation in the world in his Epistles. There are other examples of such restatement. As errorists often seduce by an adroit use of words, it becomes necessary to have "a pattern of sound words," not merely as a witness for the truth, but as a protest against error. Timothy was in this case to adhere to the form of what he had heard from the apostle, and received with such "faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

II. THE USE OF SUCH A FORM .

1 . It was a centre of doctrinal unity to the Church .

2 . It exhibited the truth in a consistent light to the world .

3 . It afforded a rallying point in the conflict with systems of error .

4 . It tended to spiritual stability .—T.C.