2 Timothy 1:11-14
2 Tim 1:11 (KJB)
Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
 
I am appointed - Set in place or put in a certain place
Preacher - Herald or one who proclaims
 
Paul continues from verse 10 concerning the Gospel that God had set him in a place of proclaiming the Gospel wherever he went, hence the name “apostle” which means one who is sent. Not only was Paul to initially proclaim the Gospel where ever he went, God also empowered him to teach the finer points of the Gospel. Paul’s ministry was two-fold in that he not only heralded the Gospel but he also explained the Gospel. This is well-borne out in his epistles, especially in Galatians where there is the teaching concerning grace and law.
 
2 Tim 1:12 (KJB)
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
 
Paul now reminds Timothy that for the sake of sending forth the Gospel, he had suffered many things from shipwreck to banishment to the whipping post (195 lashes - 5 X 39). Paul is not complaining but building up to a very important point. Some may feel that because they are suffering for the Gospel that maybe God has abandoned them or that they have been displeasing to God. Paul is giving a major principle here that even though he had suffered many physical things, nevertheless he was not ashamed for suffering these things even though the majority of the suffering came publicly.
 
Paul gives three mighty personal principles here. He states that in spite of the suffering, he knows whom he has believed and that is the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul was not suffering for some religion but for the truths given him by the Lord Jesus Christ who stated that Paul would suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Then Paul continues by stating that he is persuaded or convinced that Christ is able to keep what was committed to Him, that is Paul’s salvation and eternal life which can never be lost by a true Christian. The day he speaks of is Judgment day on the last day.
 
Now let us a take a quick look at three phrases which are very important in this verse. “I know” and “have believed” and “am persuaded.” Every one of these phrases are one single word in the Greek and in the Perfect Tense. The Perfect tense in Greek denotes an action which took place in the past and is still in full effect at present. What Paul is saying that throughout his 30 years of ministry he has never failed to know Christ, to believe Christ, and to be convinced of Christ. Paul is stating that his entire belief on Christ has never waned. This was why he was able to face all the persecution because he saw the bigger picture than himself and that was Christ and the sending forth of the Gospel. Once we see the bigger picture than our little comfort zone, we too, will have powerful ministries.
 
2 Tim 1:13 (KJB)
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
 
Hold Fast - Have, possess, or cling to
Sound - Healthy and Wholesome
 
Paul now reminds Timothy to hold fast to the sound words which he heard from him. Those words would be the uncompromising Gospel of Christ which are delivered with both faith and love. In faith, knowing that the teaching of the Gospel can bring forth persecution and when it does come, we are to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at those times to guide us through the persecution just as He guided Paul through all his. Persecution can lead to a great witness of the gospel. There is much history written about the Christian martyrs and some who attended their martyrdom became saved because they wanted something in their lives worth dying for and that would be the Gospel. Then Paul wants Timothy to temper his teachings with love and not condescension which can easily overtake us in thinking that because we are saved we are better than those we are preaching to. This must never happen and that is why Paul wants Timothy to look at these people with love and compassion. However, Timothy is not to change the message but to remain steady in the true teaching of the Gospel. It is when the true Gospel is preached is when the Holy Spirit brings conviction on the Elect in the crowd. When we soften the message and change it, there will be no conviction. Paul wants Timothy to realize that he is a conduit for Christ and all preaching and teaching must point people to Christ and not himself.
 
2 Tim 1:14 (KJB)
That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
 
Keep - Guard
 
Paul now commands Timothy that the deposit of the Gospel which was committed to him, he is to guard it by the Holy Spirit which indwells him. Timothy must guard against changing the message to appease his hearers and only through the Holy Spirit, who guides us into all truth, can we do that. Timothy must also guard his testimony against being involved with anything less than honest because that would bring reproach upon the name of Christ. Christians live in an evil world and we must guard against compromise and the appearance of evil, even in the most minute way.

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