13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 15 You know that all those in the province of Asia have deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. -- 2 Timothy 1:13-15

Hold On!

This week we are wrapping up our Echoes series as we investigate the life of Onesiporus!Onesiphorus (Ὀνησίφορος, Onēsiphoros, “profit bringer”) is an Ephesian friend of Paul with is mentioned only twice both in 2 Timothy. We will see tomorrow that Paul commends and blesses Onesiphorus for his faithfulness.Today's passage is the preceding verses that provide the backdrop for Paul commendation of Onesiphorus. 2 Timothy is a letter written from the Apostle Paul to his protege or younger brother in the faith Timothy. 2 Timothy 1:13-18 is one unit which we will break down throughout the week.Verse 13-14 provide the primary teaching point that Paul is trying to get across in this unity, he states,

"13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.14 Guard the good deposit through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

One helpful tip in bible reading is to follow the verbs!In verse 13 Paul commands Timothy to HOLD ON (ἔχω , echo). This words speaks of holding fast to matters of transcendent importance or to grip. Paul is urging Timothy to grip onto the teaching of the apostles and prophets, not to let go of it and grasp at other things.Then in verse 14 Paul commands Timothy to GUARD (φυλάσσω, phylasso). This word speaks of protecting something by taking careful measures. The good deposit, that is faith in Jesus Christ, the teachings of the apostles and prophets, must be guarded against those who would seek to attack or dilute the truth.Paul is urging Timothy to be FAITHFUL. Be faithful to the teachings of Scripture by HOLDING ON and by GUARDING all that he has been taught.From this point, Paul is going to provide an example of someone who has failed at this task and someone who has succeeded.Verse 15 introduces us to those who have failed. Verse 15 states, 15 You know that all those in the province of Asia have deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. Essentially, they deserted Paul and they deserted the faith. They did not hold on. They did not guard the good deposit. Tomorrow, we will be introduced to the one who excelled: Onesiphorus.The challenge presented to us today by the scripture is the same command Paul gave to Timothy:

"13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching14 Guard the good deposit

We cling to the truth of the this teaching as if our life depends on it, because it does.