Paul here called upon Timothy to remind the brethren of the need for steadfastness, even through persecution. He knew the blessings that would come to those who maintain their faith.
He instructed Timothy to rightly divide the “word of truth” (15). It is important to note that handling the word of God loosely will invite error, but a strong appeal to the context and proper understanding of each passage serves well the child of God.
Timothy was to stay away from discussion of religious topics that were unhealthy (but common) in his day. He called them “profane and idle babblings” (16). We note Paul’s willingness to name names in talking of these things, pointing out Hymenaeus and Philetus as men who claimed the resurrection had already happened, overthrowing the faith of some of God’s people.
Finally, verse 19 shows that God requires those who are His to “depart from iniquity.” His warning shows steadfastness is required of every child of God. We may fall if we don’t persevere!
