“Hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV). This was Paul’s instruction to a young evangelist. Like most other instructions we read in the New Testament, it is just as applicable to us today as it was to Timothy in the first century. But not all of these instructions are emphasized much today. It is not common to hear a denominational preacher talk about the New Testament pattern. There are some in the Lord’s church who do not like to talk about it much either.
In fact, if you emphasize the pattern, some will label you as a legalist or a Pharisee. But we know we must follow the pattern because that is what Paul told Timothy to do. So let us see what the Bible says about holding fast the pattern.
There is a Standard
The New American Standard Bible translates the instruction this way: “Retain the standard of sound words.” A standard is the basis for determining right and wrong. By comparing a practice with the pattern (standard), we are able to determine whether it is right or wrong. This makes many people uncomfortable. They want truth to be subjective. They do not want to believe there is a fixed standard of right and wrong. But the Bible teaches that there is a clear difference between right and wrong. We can look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:13-27 and see this. In this brief section He taught there is a right way and a wrong way; right teachers and wrong teachers; right fruit and wrong fruit; right works and wrong works; a right foundation and a wrong foundation. He spoke of no “gray area.”
What is the standard by which we determine right and wrong? It is the standard of sound words. The word that is translated “sound” means healthy, safe, not corrupt. What are the sound words? Paul said they are the words that he and – by extension – the other apostles spoke. “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me.” These words were described later as “sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3), are used synonymously with the word and the truth, and are contrasted with myths and fables (2 Timothy 4:2, 4).
Jesus will judge us in the last day (2 Corinthians 5:10). The apostles delivered His message (2 Corinthians 5:20; John 16:13; Acts 1:8). That is why we are to retain the standard that was taught by Paul and the others. Our standard for judgment is the New Testament. It contains the pattern to which we must hold fast.
How Carefully Must We Hold to the Pattern?
Of those who acknowledge the fact that the New Testament contains a pattern, not everyone agrees on how careful we must be in keeping to the pattern. Some are very loose in their interpretation and application of the New Testament. Others try to follow the pattern as closely as they can. How careful do we have to be?
We have some insight given in the Hebrew writer’s mention of the example of Moses: “Who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, ‘See,’ He says, ‘that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain’” (Hebrews 8:5). Moses was told to “make all things according to the pattern.” We are essentially told the same thing: “Hold fast the pattern of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, NKJV).
So when Moses was told to “make all things according to the pattern,” how careful did he have to be? The Hebrew writer quoted Exodus 25:40 which comes at the end of the Lord’s instruction regarding the golden lampstand. What did Moses do when he was told to follow the pattern? He made sure the lampstand was made just as God commanded. “Aaron therefore did so; he mounted its lamps at the front of the lampstand, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Now this was the workmanship of the lampstand, hammered work of gold; from its base to its flowers it was hammered work; according to the pattern which the Lord had showed Moses, so he made the lampstand” (Numbers 8:3-4). To do things “according to the pattern” is to do “just as the Lord had commanded.” In holding fast the pattern, we must do the same – do just as the Lord commanded (Matthew 28:20).
The wording of the King James Version is helpful in understanding this point. “Hold fast the form of sound words” (2 Timothy 1:13, KJV). The New Testament is the form, or mold, that is to shape our actions. Do the things that we do (or wish to do) fit within the mold? If they do not fit, we ought not do them.
What Should Be Our Attitude in Holding to the Pattern?
The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the need to do the right things for the right reasons or with the right attitude. Jesus said we must “worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Proper actions alone are not enough. We must have the proper attitude or spirit. This principle is also stated in Paul’s instruction we have been observing. The right actions are important (holding fast the pattern), but the actions must be accompanied by the proper attitude and motive. So how should we hold to the pattern? “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).
We must hold fast the pattern in faith. We follow the standard because we believe God and His word, just as Noah who followed the pattern God gave him in faith (Hebrews 11:7). We do not (or should not) do what we do because of tradition, opinion, or preference. But by faith we recognize that God’s way is right and best and, therefore, must be followed for us to be rewarded.
We must also hold fast the pattern in love. The church in Ephesus (which was where Timothy was located when Paul wrote to him), later left their first love (Revelation 2:4). They still did many commendable things (Revelation 2:2-3, 6). They could have even claimed to be following the pattern. But they were not doing so with the proper love for the Lord. Our reason for following the pattern needs to be our love for God – not to elevate ourselves or run others down or for any other reason. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 John 5:3).
Conclusion
We have noticed from the word of God that there is a such thing as the New Testament pattern. We must hold it fast, in faith and love, doing all that God commanded. Let us be content to abide within the mold of what has been instructed and authorized in the New Testament.
