Remain Faithful to What You Know

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it - know what you know and why you believe it. Apparently, Paul felt the same way in these instructions to Timothy. Like Timothy, we will face uncertain times ahead as we live out our lives in this crazy chaotic world. This makes it all the more important that we step out as witnesses for Jesus, teaching others to know and understand the truth of Jesus Christ.

2 Timothy 3:10-14  But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.

It is important to note some key phrases. In both 2 Timothy 2 & 3, Paul speaks of trusting those that taught Timothy and teaching those truths to other trustworthy people who can pass it on to others.

Let’s face it, there are some very smooth talking folks out there that mislead and deceive people for their own personal gain. There are others that mislead out of ignorance. We have entire denominations that teach bits and pieces of the Scriptural truths co-mingled with bits and pieces of manmade doctrine and teach it to people by the droves.

Paul’s warning to Timothy was stand on what he knew to be factual and that which he learned for those he could trust. He instructed him to pass it on so others could know. He states Timothy must stay on course through difficult times ahead that were sure to come. Timothy had personal knowledge of Paul’s life and teachings and was educated by his grandmother and mother about the OT scriptures and witnessed their lives, as well as Paul’s, as examples.

You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

Words of instruction to Timothy that hold true for us today. The Bible is not just a dusty book that tells of history. It is alive with truths for our day to day life and ministry.