Note 27 at 2 Tim. 1:13: Paul was facing death and was passing the torch to Timothy as the defender of the faith. Paul had fought heresy of all kinds, specifically the legalism of the Jews, and he was instructing Timothy to continue the fight.

The phrase "Hold fast" was translated from the Greek word "ECHO" which means "to guard, to protect, to keep watch over, to keep guard" (Rienecker). It is depicting fighting or being on guard to protect the word committed to our trust.

This is the same thing Jesus taught in His parable of the sower sowing seed. In Mark 4:15 and 17, Jesus said the devil comes to steal away the word that has been sown in our hearts. We can no more bear fruit without God's Word than the ground can bear fruit without seeds. Therefore, we must "hold fast" the truths God has given us from His Word.

Note 28 at 2 Tim. 1:13: The Greek word "HUPOTUPOSIS" which was translated "form" in this verse, means "a sketch for imitation" (Strong). Paul is saying that the doctrine he shared with Timothy should be a pattern to be imitated. The NIV translates this verse as, "What you have heard from me, keep as a pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus."

Note 29 at 2 Tim. 1:13: Notice that Paul instructs Timothy to hold fast his instructions in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. True faith and love cannot be separated. Galatians 5:6 says, ". . .faith which worketh by love." Anyone who is professing faith, but has no love, isn't operating in the true faith of God. Likewise, walking in love will cause faith to abound. They are like Siamese twins. You cannot separate them without risking death to one or the other.