The Apostolic Gospel

2 Timothy 1:13-15 ESV

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

2 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV

You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 3:1-5, 10-15 ESV

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ

Rev. Ed Gross

This letter was written by Paul from prison to one who had struggled in the faith with him, Timothy.  Paul was passing the torch.

The disciple were  pledged to follow their masters. Wherever they went, how they understood the scriptures. The disciples were challenged in their hearts. They would be called to tough places and tough decisions.

Timothy is charged to protect and preserve the gospel with the help of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is not to be generalized or altered. In trying to be relevant, the temptations are to change the focus from Christ. The gospel is more than just words. We are guarding a pattern.

We are to pass on and entrust others with the gospel. It is not done at a distance; it is done up close. We are to invite people into our lives to see the gospel at work in our marriages, our workplace, our personal lives. This is the gospel we are called to pass on.

Training happens this way: Watch me, Do it with me, Show me, and finally, do it alone. This is how discipleship works.

We are called to live in the  gospel. By living in the word: memorizing, obeying, and meditating on it. This  is the path to victory over Satan.