Paul’s last letter to Timothy held instruction as well as encouragement. 2 Timothy 1:13 says, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

2 Timothy 3:13-14 says, “But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you learned them.”

His words ‘hold fast’ reminded me of Ephesians 6:13. It followed Paul’s instruction to the folks in Ephesus about the warfare from the spiritual hosts of wickedness. It says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” 

Then he listed the powerful armor of God that we are to daily put on. Our battles are not against flesh and blood. Therefore we must hold fast to the gospel and not waver.