The Pattern of Sound Words

Good Shepherd Community Church

Paul spent much time and words in exhorting his young ministers, Timothy and Titus to hold to the pattern of sound words in which they they had been instructed. These core beliefs of the faith are to be taught to passed on coming generations. They are the measuring line, the rule by which other teachings and teachers are to be evaluated. Their contents can be determined by the summaries Paul gives in his letters to the churches. In early Christian history they are referred to and summarized in the Rule of Faith. Some Bible passages in which they are in part found are: Titus 2:11-14, 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Philippians 2: 5b-11. Pattern of Sound Words/The GospelThis saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners"— For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind,the man Christ Jesus who gave himself as a ransom for all people. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: [God] He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.