Follow My Example

“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

There are several significant pieces to this important command. We must “retain” or hold firm to the “standard” of the “sound words” that have been given to us. And that firm hold must rest in the faith and love that we have in Christ Jesus.

This is not an option. We are to hold to the form of the sound words. “Hupotuposis” is the Greek term, only used one other time in the New Testament, where Paul insists that his life was to be “an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1 Tim. 1:16). We are to be “under” (“hypo”) the “standard” or “pattern” (“tupos”) of the wholesome words. The purpose of the two letters to Timothy was to encourage the young pastor to follow the example of his human teacher, Paul, who had completely submitted himself to the authority of all Scripture.

To the Roman Christians, Paul was delighted that they “became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed” to them (Rom. 6:17). To the Corinthians, he reminded them that the events recorded in the life of Israel had “happened to them as an example” (1 Cor. 10:11). Paul also insisted that the people of the church at Philippi should “join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us” (Phil. 3:17).   

Both biblical and church history provide us with patterns to follow. But the sound words of Scripture give what is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).