Keep the Commandment Unstained

The Apostle Paul, the mature pastor of Christ's churches, continues to advise and charge Timothy in his own pastoral ministry. Paul issues him a solemn command, not a suggestion, that he "keep the commandment" impeccably. Whether this is a reference to the whole of Biblical revelation or more specifically to the necessity of adhering faithfully to fundamental Christian doctrine, Timothy is given no leeway in his sober obligation to fulfill and obey with no deviance whatsoever the complete will of God. This apostolic command is of equal authority for us - nothing less is acceptable or pleasing to God. So forgetting that which is behind, let us press forward to gain the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.