Retain the Standard: 2 Timothy 1:13
“Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13
I am going to take a little license with this verse. Paul does not define the specific standards of sound teaching which Timothy was to retain, but at least the following eight can be identified by studying Pauls writings.
First, retain the standard of a view of origins based on Divine Creation. Romans 1:18-27
Second, retain the standard of the inspiration and inerrancy of Scripture. 2 Timothy 3:18-4:5
Third, retain the standard of the sanctity and dignity of human life created in the image of God as male and female. Genesis 1:26-31
Forth, retain the standard of the solid Gospel of Salvation through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:3-30, Romans 2-5
Fifth, retain the standard of the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. 1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Sixth, retain the standard of the call to sanctification and holiness for every believer built on biblical morals and ethics. Romans 6-8
Seven, retain the standard of a future eternal judgement which includes both heaven and hell. 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:21
Eight, retain the standard of the call of the church to missions and the Great Commission. Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 13:1-5
These eight area’s stand out as key components of a cohesive biblical world view. When any one of them is compromised or watered down, Christianity becomes twisted and distorted. All eight of these are under sever attack today. These are standards the church must be defend at all cost. As Paul charged Timothy, I now charge you: Retain the Standard.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
