Staying on Track

Paul was concerned about the spiritual condition of Timothy, his young friend. He knew Timothy could drift into error in many different ways.

A central way to stay on track is to be confident about one’s beliefs. Paul demonstrated this confidence in his own life, declaring that he knew “whom I have believed.” He knew that Jesus would guard him. Paul urged Timothy to have the same level of confidence.

How was he to do this? He reminded Timothy that he had been given a “pattern of sound words.” This pattern applied to every part of his life – his thoughts and actions, his decisions and relationships, his travels.

This pattern was given “in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (v. 13). Timothy needed to have a relationship with Jesus. And his actions needed to be inspired by faith and love, not just a sense of duty or obligation.

Further, Paul reminded him of the presence of the Holy Spirit. He dwelt within Timothy, and He also “dwells within us” (v. 14). The Holy Spirit can “guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” Timothy needed to be sensitive to the presence of the Spirit.

This pattern applies to all of us. Make sure that you are confident about what you believe. Know whom you have believed. Develop your relationship with Jesus, and stay sensitive to the presence of the Spirit.